Caramelized Onions and Green Beans is the sweet-savory side dish you didn’t know you were missing. It’s elegant enough for holidays, but easy enough for anytime.

Move over, green bean casserole. This is the side dish that should be hitting your holiday tables. But it’s so easy that you might just be tempted to have it on random weeknights too. I certainly wouldn’t blame you if you did.

But let’s backup a second, shall we?

This is an elevated version of the classic casserole, but scaled back and made elegant.
Sarah Walker Caron

I didn’t grow up with those quintessential holiday dishes that are the center of so many food journalism pieces. I first had sweet potato casserole when I was in my 20s. Same with green bean casserole. Except while I fell deeply in love with the former, I didn’t enjoy the latter. So as a good writer, I have focused on the many ways to enjoy green beans that don’t involved canned goods.

This Caramelized Onions and Green Beans recipe might be my favorite ever. In fact, it’s so good that I stood in my kitchen after making it, eating bite after bite the first time I made it. It’s everything I want in a robust side dish: full of flavor, well-seasoned and definitely not feeling like an afterthought.

First, onions are seasoned and cooked to caramelized perfection. Then they are mixed with crisp-tender green beans. It takes make 20 minutes (25 with the onion prep) to make. And it’s just so good. You will definitely be reaching for more too.

Serve this with holiday favorites like Balsamic Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, Roasted Turkey, or Pork Tenderloin.

This is an elevated version of the classic casserole, but scaled back and made elegant.

4 servings

Caramelized Onions and Green Beans

Crisp-tender green beans are mixed with caramelized onions in this sweet-savory side dish that will have you reaching for more. This is an elevated version of the classic casserole, but scaled back and made elegant.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 lb steamed green beans

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the onions and season with paprika, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized.
Add the steamed green beans to the pan and toss well to combine. Let cook for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve.