String Bean Creole
String Bean Creole is a savory, cheesy casserole blending tender green beans, smoky bacon, tomatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the canned string beans, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid.
- Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry until almost crisp.
- Add the drained beans and reserved liquid to the bacon and cook for 10 minutes.
- In a separate pan, cook the chopped onion and green pepper in butter until tender.
- Add canned tomatoes to the vegetable mixture and cook until the sauce is thick.
- Season the bean mixture with salt and pepper, then combine with the tomato mixture and pour into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded American cheese and bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake at 375°F until the cheese is melted and the crumbs are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using turkey bacon as a substitute. If you're short on time, frozen string beans can be used instead of canned; just adjust cooking times. To enhance the dish, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Pair this with Boston Baked Corn for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
This String Bean Creole is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as a main course paired with a simple salad. Consider serving it alongside Pork Chops And Peaches for a sweet-savory contrast. A crusty bread can also accompany this dish to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Avoid overcooking to maintain the texture of the beans.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of String Bean Creole contains roughly 83 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1506mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh string beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh string beans! Simply blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender before adding them to the recipe. This will enhance their flavor and texture, making the dish even more vibrant.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute for sautéing. Replace American cheese with a non-dairy cheese option to keep it vegetarian-friendly while still maintaining a creamy texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the vegetable mixture. You can also top it with sliced fresh chili peppers before baking for a flavorful kick that complements the other ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).