Greek Green Beans Recipe

If you’re searching for an authentic greek green beans recipe that turns humble ingredients into something memorable, this classic dish delivers. Known in Greece as Fasolakia, it features tender green beans slowly simmered in olive oil and a rich tomato sauce, capturing the heart of Mediterranean cooking with simple, wholesome flavors.

This comforting dish showcases greek style green beans at their best, relying on time-honored techniques rather than complicated steps. Whether you call it a greek green bean recipe or a traditional greek beans recipe, it reflects the rustic, plant-forward meals enjoyed in Greek homes for generations.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this version also works as a copycat greek green beans recipe for restaurant-style results. The classic recipe for greek green beans in tomato sauce brings depth, warmth, and authenticity straight to your own kitchen.

What Are Greek Green Beans and How Do They Taste?

Greek green beans in tomato sauce are a slow-simmered vegetable dish where fresh green beans are braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender in a luscious sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, onions, and oregano.

Unlike the crisp-tender green beans common in other cuisines, this Greek beans recipe features vegetables cooked long and slow until they’re incredibly soft and infused with flavor. The taste is a harmonious balance of savory sweetness from the tomatoes, earthiness from the olive oil, and aromatic notes from garlic and oregano.

The result is a velvety, comforting dish that’s slightly tangy, deeply satisfying, and quintessentially Mediterranean. The generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil creates a rich, coating sauce that makes every bite luxurious.

Greek Green Beans Recipe Ingredients

For the Greek Green Beans:

• 1 pound (16 oz) green beans (fresh or frozen)
• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2-3 medium tomatoes, chopped or grated (or 1½-2 cups canned chopped tomatoes, unsalted preferred)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided; adjust to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1-2 cups water (as needed to partially cover beans)

Kitchen Utensils Needed:

1. Large pot or Dutch oven with lid
2. Sharp knife and cutting board
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Grater (if using fresh tomatoes)

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
Total Time: 70-85 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Copycat Greek Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over low-medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion along with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the onion becomes softened and lightly golden-brown. Don’t rush this crucial step-the slow caramelization builds the flavor foundation for your Greek style green beans.

Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add Green Beans
Add the green beans directly to the pot (if using frozen, no need to thaw-add them straight from the package with any ice crystals). Stir well to coat the beans with the onion and oil mixture.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Liquid
Add the chopped or grated tomatoes and stir everything together. Pour in enough water to come about halfway up the green beans (approximately 1-2 cups-start with less, as you can always add more). Add the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Increase the heat briefly to bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Once bubbling, cover the pot with a lid, then reduce the heat to low (the lowest setting on your stove). Simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally every 15-20 minutes. Check the heat level after the first 15-20 minutes to ensure a gentle simmer without scorching.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
The Greek green bean recipe is ready when the beans are very tender and easily pierced with a fork, most of the water has evaporated, and you’re left with a thick, velvety sauce clinging to the beans. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Classic Greek Meze Spread
Serve your Greek green beans in tomato sauce as part of a traditional Mediterranean meze platter alongside crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, crusty bread, and tzatziki. This copycat Greek green beans recipe shines when enjoyed with other small plates, allowing the flavors to complement each other beautifully.

2. Add Potatoes for Heartiness
Transform this side dish into a more substantial meal by adding cubed potatoes during the simmering stage. Cut 2-3 medium potatoes into chunks and add them about 20 minutes into the cooking process. The potatoes will absorb the tomato sauce and make this Greek beans recipe even more filling and satisfying.

3. Protein Pairings
These Greek style green beans pair wonderfully with grilled chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, baked fish, or Greek meatballs (keftedes). The tangy tomato sauce cuts through rich meats perfectly, while the olive oil-based preparation complements grilled seafood beautifully.

4. Vegan and Vegetarian Main Course
Serve a generous portion over fluffy rice, orzo, or with warm pita bread to make this recipe for Greek green beans in tomato sauce a complete vegetarian main dish. Add chickpeas during the last 15 minutes of cooking for extra protein and texture.

5. Fresh Herb Finishing Touch
While traditional recipes use dried oregano, you can brighten the finished dish with fresh herbs. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, dill, or mint over the beans just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor that enhances the Mediterranean character.

6. Lemon Brightening
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors. The acidity complements the rich olive oil and sweet tomatoes, creating a more complex flavor profile. Some Greek cooks also add lemon zest during cooking for subtle citrus notes.

7. Temperature Variations
While delicious hot, Greek green beans are traditionally served at room temperature or even slightly chilled, making them perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or meal prep. The flavors actually deepen and meld as the dish sits, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead.

Essential Tips for Perfect Greek Green Beans

1. Don’t Skip the Slow Onion Cooking
The 10-15 minute caramelization of onions in olive oil is the flavor foundation of this Greek green beans recipe. Rushing this step results in a less complex, somewhat harsh-tasting dish. The slow, gentle cooking develops natural sweetness and depth that makes restaurant-quality Greek green beans at home. Keep the heat low-medium and be patient-this is where the magic happens.

2. Use Quality Olive Oil Generously
Greek cuisine relies heavily on extra-virgin olive oil, and this recipe is no exception. The ⅓ cup might seem like a lot, but it’s essential for creating the signature velvety sauce. Don’t substitute or reduce it-the olive oil isn’t just a cooking fat, it’s a key flavor component that creates the luxurious mouthfeel of authentic Greek style green beans.

3. Embrace the Long Cooking Time
Unlike other cuisines where green beans are cooked crisp-tender, this Greek beans recipe requires 45-60 minutes of gentle simmering. Greek vegetables are traditionally cooked until very soft and infused with the cooking liquid. The result is tender, flavorful beans that have absorbed all the aromatics. Don’t worry about “overcooking”-that’s the goal.

4. Adjust Water Throughout Cooking
Start with less water than you think you need (about halfway up the beans), and check periodically. You want enough liquid to cook the beans through without burning, but by the end, most should evaporate leaving a concentrated sauce. If the pot gets too dry before the beans are tender, add water ¼ cup at a time.

5. Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes Matter
While both work in this recipe for Greek green beans in tomato sauce, they produce slightly different results. Fresh tomatoes (especially grated) create a lighter, fresher sauce, while canned tomatoes provide more concentrated tomato flavor and deeper color. Choose unsalted canned tomatoes when possible so you can control the sodium level.

6. Season in Stages and Taste at the End
The recipe divides the salt-adding some to the onions helps them caramelize, while the rest goes in with the tomatoes. However, as water evaporates, flavors concentrate, so always taste before serving. Greek green beans often need a final salt adjustment. Don’t be shy about adding more if needed-proper seasoning transforms the dish from good to exceptional.

7. Make It Ahead for Better Flavor
This copycat Greek green beans recipe is one of those rare dishes that actually improves with time. Make it a day ahead and refrigerate-the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed, or serve at room temperature as is traditionally done in Greece. The beans will be even more tender and flavorful.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover Greek green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also enjoy them cold or at room temperature, Greek-style.

Common Queries and FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen green beans for this Greek green beans recipe?

Both work beautifully! Fresh green beans should be trimmed and can be left whole or cut into 2-inch pieces. Frozen green beans are incredibly convenient and actually work wonderfully-add them directly from frozen without thawing. The long cooking time ensures both fresh and frozen beans become perfectly tender.

Why are my Greek style green beans watery instead of saucy?

You likely added too much water or didn’t simmer long enough. The key is partial coverage with liquid and sufficient cooking time for evaporation. Make sure your heat is at a gentle simmer, not a vigorous boil, and cook uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes if needed to reduce excess liquid into a thick sauce.

How do I know when the Greek green beans are done cooking?

The beans should be very tender-much softer than typical green bean preparations. They should easily pierce with a fork and almost melt in your mouth. The sauce should be thick and coating the beans, not watery. Most of the cooking liquid should have evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated tomato and olive oil sauce.

Can I make this Greek beans recipe in advance?

Absolutely! This is an ideal make-ahead dish. Prepare it 1-2 days in advance and store refrigerated. The flavors actually improve as they sit. Serve at room temperature (traditional) or reheat gently. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

What’s the difference between this and Italian green beans?

While both Mediterranean cuisines use tomatoes and olive oil, Greek green beans in tomato sauce are cooked much longer until very soft, use more olive oil, and typically include oregano rather than basil. The cooking method and final texture are quite different-Greek versions are braised until meltingly tender, while Italian preparations often keep beans firmer.

Can I add meat to this recipe for Greek green beans in tomato sauce?

Yes! For a heartier version, brown ground beef or lamb before adding the onions, or add cooked chicken pieces during the simmering stage. Some Greek cooks add lamb shoulder chunks that braise alongside the beans. Just ensure there’s enough liquid and extend cooking time as needed.

Is this Greek green bean recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian! It contains no animal products. Just be mindful if serving with traditional accompaniments like feta cheese-simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep the entire meal vegan.

This authentic Greek green beans recipe brings the warmth of Mediterranean home cooking to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The magic lies in the simplicity-quality olive oil, ripe tomatoes, and patience while the beans slowly transform into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re making this copycat Greek green beans recipe to recreate a restaurant favorite or discovering Greek style green beans for the first time, you’ll love how such humble ingredients create such a satisfying dish. Serve these Greek green beans in tomato sauce warm with crusty bread, or at room temperature as part of a mezze spread, and transport yourself straight to a sun-drenched Greek taverna. Kali orexi-enjoy your meal!

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