Freezing Canned Green Beans: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are we tired of beans yet? I didn’t think so. The bean renaissance is one thing I’m glad is part of all this cooking at home during the pandemic. Just look at the release of Joe Yonan’s great Cool Beans cookbook and Rancho Gordo’s continued dominance of the high-end bean market, which is made even better by owner Steve Sando’s hilarious presence on Twitter. Everywhere you look, you can find bean recipes. You can also use beans in ways you might not have thought of.

The good thing about beans is that they’re tasty even if you never got off the waiting list for the Rancho Gordo bean club. (I’m still waiting. You can make great meals with simple dried beans from the grocery store, and there’s no shame in using canned beans.

If you cooked your own beans, you can store them exactly as you would any leftovers. Not all of the beans might be used, so what should you do? It’s tempting to just put foil over the open can and put it in the fridge, but there are better ways to store those beans.

Canned green beans are a pantry staple for many home cooks. They’re affordable, convenient, and have a long shelf life. But what happens when you don’t use up the whole can? Is it possible to freeze the leftovers for later use?

The answer is yes! Freezing canned green beans is easy and allows you to enjoy their flavor and texture at a later date. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through the entire process of freezing canned green beans step-by-step.

Read on to learn:

Why freeze canned beans?
How long do canned beans last?
Step-by-step instructions
Defrosting and using frozen beans
Storage times and safety

Plus some delicious recipes to try with your frozen green beans! Let’s get started.

Why Freeze Canned Green Beans?

Canned beans can last up to 5 years when stored properly in the pantry But once opened, it’s best to use them within 3-5 days Freezing allows you to preserve any leftovers and avoid waste.

Reasons to freeze opened canned beans include:

Smaller portions – Cans contain more than you may need for a recipe. Freezing portions prevents waste.
Extended shelf life – Frozen beans stay fresh for 8-12 months compared to just days refrigerated.
Save money – Get more value from canned beans you’ve already purchased.
Convenience – Frozen beans are pre-cooked and ready to use in future recipes.

With minimal effort, you can freeze and efficiently use every last bean.

How Long Do Canned Green Beans Last?

First, let’s review how long canned green beans last:

Unopened shelf life – Up to 5 years stored in a cool, dry pantry.
Refrigerator – 3-5 days after opening.
Freezer – 8-12 months when properly frozen.

So clearly, freezing gives you significantly more time to use up leftovers compared to refrigerating.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Freezing

Freezing canned green beans is simple. Just follow these easy steps:

What You’ll Need

Canned green beans, drained
Resealable freezer bags, freezer containers, or ice cube trays
Freezer pen for labeling

Instructions

Drain the beans – Open the can and pour beans into a colander. Rinse under cool water to remove any liquid.
Portion into bags or trays – Add 1-2 cups drained beans per bag, container, or ice cube compartment. Flatten bags to remove air.
Label – Write contents and freeze date on each bag or container.
Freeze – Place flattened bags or filled trays in a single layer in the freezer. Freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Transfer to containers (optional) – Once frozen solid, transfer bean cubes from trays to bags or containers.

That’s all there is to it! Now you’ve got ready-to-use green beans whenever you need them.

Defrosting and Using Frozen Canned Beans

Once frozen, canned green beans will keep for 8-12 months. When ready to use, there are a few defrosting options:

Refrigerator thaw – Place frozen beans in the refrigerator 8-12 hours before needed.
Cold water thaw – Submerge bag or container in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed. Takes 1-2 hours.
Microwave thaw – Microwave frozen beans in 30 second increments, stirring between cycles until thawed. Takes 4-5 minutes.
Cook frozen – Add frozen beans directly to soups, stews, and some casseroles and adjust cooking time.

Thawed or cooked frozen beans can be used in any recipe calling for canned green beans. Enjoy them in soups, casseroles, salads, and more!

Proper Storage for Food Safety

To maintain quality and safety, follow these frozen green bean storage guidelines:

Store at 0°F or below.
Avoid overloading your freezer. Cold air must circulate freely.
Use within 8-12 months for best flavor and texture.
Do not refreeze beans after they’ve thawed. Cook within 1-2 days.

Adhering to proper freezer temperatures and using within the recommended storage times will provide you with delicious, safe frozen beans to enjoy!

Delicious Ways to Use Your Frozen Green Beans

Looking for tasty ways to use up your frozen green bean portions? Here are some quick ideas:

Green bean casserole – Mix frozen green beans, mushroom soup, fried onions, and bake until bubbly.
Beef and green bean stew – Simmer frozen beans with beef, potatoes, and spices for a hearty meal.
Green bean salad – Toss thawed green beans with tomatoes, feta, and balsamic dressing.
Green bean frittata – Stir frozen green beans into egg mixture and bake into an Italian omelet.
Garlic green beans – Saute thawed beans with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a fast side.

With a stash of frozen green beans in the freezer, healthy meals are never far away!

Enjoy Your Leftover Canned Beans

can i freeze canned green beans

Rinse them off.

Put them in a colander and run cold water over them until the water runs clear. Then, let them drain for about 10 minutes to make sure they don’t have too much water.

Get them out of the can

Storing anything canned in the fridge is not ideal, according to Carl Batt, a food microbiologist at Cornell University. For one, it’s hard to get a good seal over a can, which can lead to foods drying out and taking on flavors/scents from elsewhere in the refrigerator. Second, while leaching of metal into your canned goods is likely not a health concern, it can affect flavor. Recycle that can and store your leftover beans in glass or plastic. Depending on how much I am storing I might use a small ball jar or a plastic deli container.

Canning Green Beans that ‘STAY GREEN!!!’

FAQ

Can you freeze canned beans after opening?

Freezing your extra canned beans should be fine. In fact, I often make a big batch of chili (using canned beans), and then freeze some of it with no change in quality. Simply store your extra beans in a heavy plastic container or plastic freezer bag and use within 6 months.

Can you freeze canned vegetables after opening?

Once opened, you can keep canned vegetables in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Transfer vegetables in a covered glass or plastic container. Do not store opened or unfinished cans of food in the fridge. You can also freeze any leftover canned vegetables in an airtight container or freezer bag up to 2 months.

Can you freeze green beans without them getting mushy?

Tips for Freezing Green Beans After freezing, the raw beans will be mushy in texture and flavorless. For the best results, don’t skip the blanching process when freezing green beans. Dry the beans thoroughly before freezing. This will help avoid clumps and excess moisture.

How to save half a can of beans?

Refrigerator: After opening, you can store canned beans in the fridge in an airtight container. Open canned beans will last for three to four days in the refrigerator. 2. Freezer: You can store opened canned beans in the freezer in an airtight container or freezer bag for one to two months.