Ground Beef And Green Bean Skillet
Highlighted under: Easy Meals
I love creating quick and flavorful meals, and this Ground Beef and Green Bean Skillet has become one of my favorites. It’s a dish that brings together hearty ground beef and tender green beans, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The blend of seasonings infuses every bite with flavor, while the whole meal comes together in just one skillet. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something home-cooked but don’t have much time to spare.
When I first decided to make this Ground Beef and Green Bean Skillet, I wanted something that would satisfy my cravings without taking too long to prepare. The first time serving it, I paired it with some fluffy rice, and the combination was a hit! I learned that browning the beef first enhances the overall flavor, and incorporating the green beans during the last few minutes of cooking keeps them vibrant and crisp.
Another tip I've picked up is to season the beef with garlic powder and onion powder during cooking; it adds a layer of flavor that really elevates the dish. I enjoy making this recipe on busy evenings because it’s not only quick to prepare but also uses ingredients I usually have on hand. The best part is how colorful and hearty it looks on the plate, making it feel special even on a weeknight.
Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying with minimal prep time
- Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal
- One-pan cleanup makes dinner easier
- Delicious flavor that appeals to the whole family
Maximizing Flavor with Simple Techniques
To get the most flavor out of your Ground Beef and Green Bean Skillet, brown the beef properly. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat; this helps achieve a nice sear. You want the beef to start developing a golden crust, which enhances both texture and flavor. If you notice that the beef is steaming rather than browning, increase the heat slightly, as moisture will inhibit browning.
Using fresh ingredients is key to bringing out the best in this dish. Opt for crisp, vibrant green beans; they should snap when bent. If you find fresh beans are out of season, frozen green beans can be a great substitute; just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture during cooking. This will keep the texture of your skillet dish vibrant and appealing.
Balancing Ingredients for a Nutritious Meal
Not only is this dish hearty, but it also balances protein and vegetables effectively. The ground beef is a primary source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Pairing it with green beans adds fiber and essential minerals, making the meal more nutritious. In terms of flavor profile, the bean's subtle sweetness complements the savory beef, creating a satisfying eating experience.
If you're looking to lighten the dish or make it more vegetable-forward, consider adding bell peppers or zucchini along with the green beans. These vegetables work well with the existing seasonings and will add both color and additional nutrients to your skillet. This straightforward swap can deepen the flavors and provide variations to keep your weeknight dinners exciting.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Leftovers of this Ground Beef and Green Bean Skillet can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This will help prevent the beef from drying out and keep the green beans pleasantly crisp.
For serving, this dish pairs wonderfully over a bed of cooked rice, which absorbs the delicious juices. Alternatively, you could use quinoa for a nutty flavor or serve it alongside a simple green salad to elevate the meal into a full spread. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, just before serving can add an aromatic finish and enhance the visual appeal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Ground Beef And Green Bean Skillet Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- Optional: cooked rice for serving
Enjoy your meal!
Instructions
Instructions:
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Incorporate Green Beans
Add the fresh green beans and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer
Pour in the beef broth, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes until the green beans are tender but still crisp.
Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, optionally over cooked rice.
Enjoy your delicious meal!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce during cooking. You can also throw in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more variety.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your skillet doesn't seem to thicken as expected, it may be due to excess moisture from the vegetables or the meat. To remedy this, simply uncover the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to allow steam to escape, intensifying the flavors and concentrating the sauce. A gentle simmer can help the broth evaporate and enrich the dish's taste.
On occasion, you may find that the flavor feels a bit flat. If this happens, consider adjusting the salt or adding a dollop of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami flavor. Just remember, it's always easier to add than to take away, so adjust gradually and taste as you go.
Variations You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with seasonings to put your own twist on the dish. For a bit of spice, add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper during the cooking process. Alternatively, if you enjoy a more Mediterranean flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of oregano for a different dimension.
You can also swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. While this will change the flavor profile slightly, the dish will remain just as satisfying and packed with nutrients. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly, as turkey and chicken might require a shorter time to cook through.
Make-Ahead Tips
For those busy weeknights, pre-chopping your onions and garlic can save valuable time. You could even prepare everything in advance and store them separately in the fridge, ready to be cooked in the skillet when time allows. This prep will ensure that dinner is just minutes away at the end of a long day.
Another time-saving method is to double the recipe. The leftovers can be frozen for future meals, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Just ensure you cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and label it with the date and contents for easy retrieval later.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just add them to the skillet along with the beef and onion and adjust cooking time slightly.
→ What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you're looking for a leaner protein option.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
→ Can I make this dish spicy?
Sure! You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking for an extra kick.
Ground Beef And Green Bean Skillet
I love creating quick and flavorful meals, and this Ground Beef and Green Bean Skillet has become one of my favorites. It’s a dish that brings together hearty ground beef and tender green beans, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The blend of seasonings infuses every bite with flavor, while the whole meal comes together in just one skillet. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something home-cooked but don’t have much time to spare.
What You'll Need
Ground Beef And Green Bean Skillet Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- Optional: cooked rice for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Add the fresh green beans and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Pour in the beef broth, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes until the green beans are tender but still crisp.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, optionally over cooked rice.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce during cooking. You can also throw in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more variety.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 28g