← Use it up

What to do with leftover green beans (and how long they last)

Storage times from USDA FoodKeeper data.

Short answer: Cooked green beans, like other cooked vegetable leftovers, keep 3–4 days in the fridge and 1–2 months in the freezer (USDA FoodKeeper). Get them into the fridge within 2 hours of serving.

8 ways to use it up

  1. Stir-fry. Toss with garlic, soy sauce and a little chili.
  2. Fried rice. Chop and add to fried rice with egg.
  3. Frittata. Fold chopped beans and cheese into eggs.
  4. Pasta. Toss with pasta, olive oil, lemon and parmesan.
  5. Soup. Add to vegetable or chicken soup near the end.
  6. Grain salad. Mix cold beans with rice or quinoa, vinaigrette and nuts.
  7. Casserole hand pies. Spoon leftover casserole into pie dough or puff pastry and bake.
  8. Freeze it. Freeze portions to drop into soups later.

How long it keeps

FoodFridge (40°F / 4°C)Freezer (0°F)
Cooked green beans (leftover)3–4 days1–2 months
Green bean casserole (leftover)3–4 days1–2 months

Common questions

How long do cooked green beans last in the fridge?

3–4 days (USDA FoodKeeper).

How long does green bean casserole last?

Like other cooked leftovers, 3–4 days in the fridge and 1–2 months in the freezer (USDA FoodKeeper).

How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat to 165°F (74°C), per USDA.

Related

Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper data. Recipe ideas are general suggestions. General information, not medical advice.