Vegan Spicy Smothered Green Beans Over Rice
Comfort food doesn’t always have to be heavy or complicated. This Vegan Spicy Smothered Green Beans Over Rice is warm, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. The tender green beans and creamy potatoes simmer in a bold, spicy-smoky sauce that soaks beautifully into a bed of fluffy rice. It’s budget-friendly, nourishing, and guaranteed to keep you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (or fresh, chopped)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
Instructions
- Sauté the base
Heat oil in a large pan. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. - Build the sauce
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it cook down for 2–3 minutes. - Add veggies
Toss in potatoes and green beans. Pour in vegetable broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer. - Simmer until tender
Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce thickens. - Serve & enjoy
Spoon the smothered green beans and potatoes over a warm bowl of rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you’d like an extra pop of color.
Variations & Tips
🌶️ Make it hotter – Add a fresh chili or extra cayenne.
🍋 Brighten it up – A squeeze of lemon juice at the end balances the richness.
🍛 Boost the protein – Add chickpeas, lentils, or tofu cubes.
🥥 Creamy twist – Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a silky finish.
This Spicy Smothered Green Bean Stew is soul food with a vegan twist—deeply flavorful, hearty, and easy to whip up with pantry staples. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel cozy and cared for with every bite.
