Steamed Green Beans

If you’re part of the meal prep community, you know the “Sunday Scaries” usually involve staring at a mountain of containers and wondering how to make healthy food taste good by Thursday. While sweet potatoes and grilled chicken get all the glory, there’s one unsung hero that deserves a permanent spot in your fridge: The Steamed Green Bean.

For the busy “Prept Fam,” green beans aren’t just a side dish; they’re a strategic tool for success. Here is why you should be prepping them by the pound this week.

1. The Ultimate “Volume Hack.”

Let’s talk numbers. One pound of steamed green beans clocks in at roughly 140–160 calories. To put that in perspective, you could eat the entire pound for fewer calories than a single large bag of chips or a gourmet coffee. For those of us trying to stay lean without feeling hungry, green beans allow you to “bulk up” your meals, adding massive volume to your plate without blowing your macro budget.

2. They Hold Their Crunch

The biggest enemy of meal prep is the “soggy veggie” syndrome. Unlike spinach or zucchini, which can turn into a watery mess by Wednesday, steamed green beans maintain their structural integrity. When reheated in the microwave or quickly tossed in a pan, they retain that satisfying “snap” that makes a prepped meal feel fresh rather than like leftovers.

3. A Blank Canvas for Flavor

Because they have a mild, earthy taste, green beans are the ultimate culinary chameleon. You can prep a big batch plain and change the vibe every day:

Monday: Topped with Pico de Gallo for a zesty, fresh crunch.

Wednesday: Tossed with Sautéed Peppers and Onions for a fajita-style bowl.

Friday: A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a clean, light finish.

4. Nutrient Density for the Whole Family

Green beans are a powerhouse of Vitamin K (essential for bone health) and Fiber (essential for… well, everything). They are kid-friendly, easy to pick up, and provide the slow-digesting carbs that keep your energy levels stable from your morning workout through your afternoon meetings.

Pro-Tip for the Prep:

When steaming your beans for the week, undercook them slightly. Steam them for about 3–4 minutes until they are bright green but still very firm. When you reheat them with your lunch later in the week, they will finish cooking to perfection rather than becoming mushy. Ready to level up your prep? Add a pound of our fresh Steamed Green Beans to your order this week and see how much easier it is to hit your goals.