Skillet Dinners

Beef And Green Bean Skillet

Name: Beef And Green Bean Skillet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

By Liana Ironside · June 19, 2026 · Skillet Dinners

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a beef and green bean skillet for my family. It was a chaotic weeknight, and I needed something quick, delicious, and satisfying. This recipe has since become a staple in our household, and for good reason - it's easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.

The combination of ground beef, green beans, and a blend of spices is a match made in heaven. The best part? It's incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste. Whether you're a busy parent or a college student, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in. The green beans add a nice burst of freshness to the dish, while the ground beef provides a rich, meaty flavor. And let's not forget about the aroma - the sizzling of the beef and the sautéing of the onions and garlic will make your kitchen smell amazing.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious beef and green bean skillet. From browning the beef to seasoning the dish, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out perfect every time.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are straightforward. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover green beans you may have on hand. And, as an added bonus, it's a very budget-friendly meal option - you can make it for under $10!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a budget-friendly option that can be made for under $10.
The dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, as it can be ready in under 30 minutes.
The combination of beef, green beans, and spices is a classic comfort food combination that's sure to please.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to your taste with different spices and ingredients.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in, with the green beans adding a nice burst of freshness to the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great beef and green bean skillet is in the layering of flavors. By browning the beef first, you create a rich, caramelized crust that adds depth to the dish. Then, by sautéing the onions and garlic, you add a pungency that complements the beef perfectly. Finally, by adding the green beans and spices, you create a balanced, savory flavor profile that's sure to please.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of heat control. By cooking the beef over medium-high heat, you can achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. And, by reducing the heat to medium-low when adding the green beans, you can prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.

The combination of beef, green beans, and spices is also a great example of how different textures and flavors can come together to create a harmonious dish. The tender beef, crunchy green beans, and savory spices all work together to create a delightful culinary experience.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, you allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to retain its juiciness. This ensures that every bite is tender, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a beef and green bean skillet, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, green beans, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. Be sure to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the ground beef. Look for a lean cut of beef, such as 90% lean or higher, to ensure that the dish is not too greasy. You'll also want to choose fresh green beans that are crisp and tender.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a lean cut of beef, such as 90% lean or higher, to ensure that the dish is not too greasy. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute.
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmedLook for fresh green beans that are crisp and tender. You can also use frozen green beans as a substitute, just be sure to thaw them first.
1 large onion, choppedChoose a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. You can also use shallots or scallions as a substitute.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute, just be sure to adjust the amount accordingly.
1 tsp dried thymeThyme adds a savory, slightly minty flavor to the dish. You can also use oregano or rosemary as a substitute.
1/2 tsp saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use table salt as a substitute, just be sure to adjust the amount accordingly.
1/4 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use white pepper or cayenne pepper as a substitute.
2 tbsp olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can also use vegetable oil or canola oil as a substitute.
1 cup beef brothUse low-sodium beef broth for the best flavor. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauceWorcestershire sauce adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can also use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheeseChoose a high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. You can also use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese as a substitute.

Ingredients for Beef And Green Bean Skillet

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Beef And Green Bean Skillet

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
6
Add the green beans to the skillet and cook until they're tender, about 5-7 minutes.
7
Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes.
8
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and the sauce is smooth.
9
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the dish simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the beef is tender.
10
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. It should reach 160°F for medium doneness.
11
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to retain its juiciness.
12
Serve the beef and green bean skillet hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions if desired.

Expert Tips

Use a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven to cook the beef and green beans, as this will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the dish from burning.
Don't overcook the green beans, as they can become mushy and unappetizing. Cook them until they're tender, but still crisp.
Use a variety of spices to add depth and complexity to the dish. Thyme, rosemary, and oregano all pair well with beef and green beans.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to retain its juiciness.
Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet, to add more flavor and nutrients to the dish.
Use leftover beef and green beans to make a delicious beef and green bean soup or stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the green beans, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not browning the beef enough, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
Not using enough spices, which can make the dish bland and uninteresting.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can result in a lack of flavor and juiciness.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not stirring the dish enough, which can result in a unevenly cooked dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet, to add more flavor and nutrients to the dish.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add some diced ham or bacon to the skillet, to add a smoky flavor to the dish.
Use leftover beef and green beans to make a delicious beef and green bean soup or stew.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the dish for added flavor and freshness.
Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Use a slow cooker to make the dish, by cooking the beef and green beans on low for 6-8 hours.

What to Serve With Beef And Green Bean Skillet

The beef and green bean skillet is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions, and accompanied by a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables, for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Some other ideas for serving the beef and green bean skillet include serving it with a side of roasted sweet potatoes, or over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. You can also add some diced ham or bacon to the skillet, to add a smoky flavor to the dish.

Serve the beef and green bean skillet with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.Add some diced ham or bacon to the skillet for a smoky flavor.Use leftover beef and green beans to make a delicious beef and green bean soup or stew.Serve the dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The beef and green bean skillet can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the dish in the refrigerator, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. To freeze the dish, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze.

To reheat the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat the dish in the oven, by covering it with foil and baking it at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and steaming.

Some tips for storing and reheating the beef and green bean skillet include using airtight containers to prevent the dish from drying out, and reheating the dish slowly and gently to prevent it from becoming overcooked or mushy. You can also add some fresh herbs or spices to the dish when reheating it, to add a burst of fresh flavor.

Finally, be sure to label and date the dish when storing it, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored and when it needs to be consumed. This will help to ensure that the dish remains fresh and safe to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef is best to use for this recipe?

A lean cut of beef, such as 90% lean or higher, is best for this recipe. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute.

How do I prevent the green beans from becoming mushy?

To prevent the green beans from becoming mushy, cook them until they're tender, but still crisp. You can also add them to the skillet towards the end of the cooking time, so they don't overcook.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans as a substitute for fresh green beans. Just be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

How do I store and reheat the dish?

The beef and green bean skillet can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply cook the beef and green beans on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the cheese and spices and serve hot.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

Some variations you can try with this recipe include adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms, using different types of cheese, or adding some chopped fresh herbs for added flavor and freshness.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients as needed and cook the dish in a larger skillet or Dutch oven.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the beef and green beans, then refrigerate or freeze the dish until you're ready to serve. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

The Full Recipe

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