Smothered Cajun Green Beans with Potatoes – a hearty vegan Southern dish made with Creole-seasoned green beans, potatoes, and smoky plant-based protein.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish checks all the boxes for comfort and nourishment—without any animal products:
- Deep Southern flavor with a rich, smoky twist
- Hearty and filling enough for a main course
- Vegan, dairy-free, and easily gluten-free
- Great for meal prep and easy to reheat
- One-pot recipe with minimal cleanup
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh or frozen green beans (about 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups yellow onion, coarsely chopped (about 2 medium onions)
- 2 tablespoons garlic, coarsely chopped or smashed (4-5 cloves)
- 1/2 cup vegan sausage or smoked tofu, cubed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 1/2 cups white or red potatoes, cut into halves or quarters (6 to 8 potatoes)
Herb and Spice Blend:
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Directions
- Sear the Vegan Protein:
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add vegan sausage or tofu and sear for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. - Make the Roux:
Add flour to the remaining oil. Whisk constantly for about 5 minutes until it becomes golden and fragrant. - Sauté Onions:
Add chopped onions to the roux and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent. - Add Garlic and Seasonings:
Stir in the garlic, Creole seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices. - Deglaze the Pot:
Pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth and stir to deglaze, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. - Add Green Beans:
Toss in the green beans, stirring well to coat in the roux mixture. Cook for 5 minutes. - Simmer with Protein:
Return the seared vegan sausage or tofu to the pot. Add enough vegetable broth to almost cover the beans. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. - Add Potatoes:
Stir in potatoes, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Uncover and cook for another 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and sauce has thickened.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: Approx. 210 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or add a drop of liquid smoke.
- Meat Substitute Options: Swap vegan sausage for tempeh, jackfruit, or plant-based ground “meat.”
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers or corn during the simmering stage.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure your sausage or tofu is gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezing:
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans?
Fresh or frozen is best for texture, but you can use canned in a pinch—just reduce cook time and add at the end.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spicy from the Creole seasoning, but you can adjust the heat to your taste.
Can I make this oil-free?
You can try a dry sauté or use a small amount of broth instead of oil, though the roux may be less rich.
What can I serve this with?
It’s great on its own, but also pairs well with cornbread, rice, or quinoa.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes?
Yes, just note they’ll cook faster and add a slight sweetness.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Let it simmer uncovered longer, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely—flavors deepen overnight. It’s excellent as leftovers.
Does it freeze well?
Yes! Cool completely before freezing in containers.
Can I omit the vegan sausage or tofu?
Yes—it’s still hearty with just the beans and potatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! You can tone down the seasoning for younger palates.
Conclusion
Smothered Cajun Green Beans with Potatoes (Vegan Style) is proof that plant-based meals can be deeply flavorful, hearty, and soul-satisfying. Whether served as a main or side dish, this comforting creation brings Southern charm and bold spice to your table—no meat required. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the rich aroma of Creole comfort cooking.
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Smothered Cajun Green Beans With Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Smothered Cajun Green Beans with Potatoes – Creole-spiced green beans, tender potatoes, and smoky vegan protein in a hearty Southern dish.
Ingredients
8 cups fresh or frozen green beans (about 2 lbs)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups yellow onion, chopped
2 tbsp garlic, chopped (4–5 cloves)
1/2 cup vegan sausage or smoked tofu, cubed
3 cups vegetable broth
2 1/2 cups white or red potatoes, halved or quartered
Herb & Spice Blend:
1 tbsp Creole seasoning
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
Heat oil in a Dutch oven; brown vegan sausage or tofu. Remove and set aside.
Add flour and whisk into a light roux, cook until golden (5 mins).
Sauté onions until soft (5–6 mins), then stir in garlic and spices. Cook 2 mins.
Deglaze with 1/2 cup broth.
Add green beans, stir to coat, cook 5 mins.
Return sausage/tofu, add broth to cover. Bring to boil, simmer covered 30 mins.
Add potatoes, simmer covered 15 mins, then uncovered 15 mins until tender.
Notes
For extra smokiness, use smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Great as a side or main. Can be made ahead and tastes better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern