Learn how to make authentic Greek green beans (Fasolakia) simmered in a delicious tomato sauce.
This recipe can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned green beans.

These Greek green beans make a flavorful side dish or top them with feta cheese and serve with a side of pita bread for a lighter main dish.
Ingredients
To make Greek green beans (Fasolakia) you will need the following ingredients:
- green beans
- garlic
- olive oil
- oregano
- juice from one lemon
- onion
- canned tomatoes
- salt and pepper to taste
Tip: For this recipe, I like to use whole peeled canned tomatoes. I chop them into large chunks. The tomatoes are juicier and the texture is better than using diced canned tomatoes.
Can you use canned or frozen green beans?
This recipe is best made with fresh green beans. I find they soak up the sauce the best when braising them.
However, frozen green beans make an excellent second choice. You would follow the recipe exactly the same using frozen green beans.
Using canned green beans will still be delicious. However, they are a little more softer in texture from cooking than the fresh green beans are.
If using canned green beans, drain any liquid before following the recipe.
Greek green beans video instructions
Steps to make
Making Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia) is easy. Follow these simple steps.
- If using fresh green beans, remove ends and slice in half. (photo 1)
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven. Add green beans and chopped onions. Saute for 2 minutes to soften and coat the green beans with olive oil. (photo 2)
- Add tomatoes, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. (photo 3)
- Bring mixture to a soft boil. Then lower heat and simmer until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. (40-45 minutes) (photo 4)
Note: If the sauce evaporates during cooking, add a little water as needed.
Can you make Greek green beans in the oven?
When I am busy, I will make this recipe using canned green beans in the oven in a square casserole dish.
I bake beans uncovered for an hour at 350 degrees. The Greek green beans come out tender and delicious.
Variations
- Potatoes are delicious in this dish. You can add 2 peeled potatoes. Slice them or cut them into quarter chunks. Add an additional cup of water or chicken broth.
- You can add 1 teaspoon of dill for extra flavor.
- You can top with a little feta cheese when serving.
Looking for other green bean recipes? Try my Southern Slow Cooker Green Bean recipe.
For other delicious Greek dishes, try:
- Greek Chicken Marinade
- Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- Greek Salad Dressing
- Lamb Meatballs
- Greek Lemon Potatoes
- Black Eye Pea Greek Salad
- Greek Layer Dip
Please leave me a comment below if you make this Greek green bean recipe, and tell me what your opinion of it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.
Also post your picture of your beans on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
Recipe
Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs green beans
- 1 chopped onion
- ½ cup olive oil
- 28 oz tomato canned
- 1 tbs oregano
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove ends of 2 lbs green beans and slice in half.
- Add 28oz canned tomatoes, 2 chopped garlic, 1 tbls oregano, juice of 1 lemon, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring green bean mixture to a soft boil. Then lower heat and simmer until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. (40-45 minutes)
Video
Notes
- You can add 2 peeled potatoes. Slice them or cut them into quarter chunks. Add an additional cup of water or chicken broth.
- You can add 1 teaspoon of dill for extra flavor.
- You can top with a little feta cheese when serving.
Karen Hlavinka
What an interesting website you have. A friend sent me the Greek Green Beans Recipe to make for a Greek Foods Dinner. Thanks for sharing.
Ashley
Such a delightful side dish recipe idea!!! These green beans were so flavor full, and paired perfectly with our grilled chicken!
Natalie
Such a simple yet delicious veggie side dish idea. I absolutely love it. I just saved the recipe and I will make it soon. Love green beans.
Dolly @ Little Home in the Making
What a unique and healthy way to serve green beans! I'm definitely pinning this one for later.
Dannii
What a delicious side dish. So much flavour going on here.
Sara
Such a delicious sounding recipe. I love the fact that if you don't have fresh beans on hand you can use the pantry staple of canned or frozen.