My husband loves meals that are hearty and full of flavor, but he does not enjoy dishes that are too greasy or overly complicated. This recipe is perfect because it gives him the rich taste of beef he enjoys, while the green beans add freshness and keep the dish light. This Ground Beef and Green Beans recipe is one of those meals I truly rely on when I want something comforting but still balanced. It uses simple ingredients that most of us already have at home, yet the final dish feels flavorful and satisfying. 

I love how the savory ground beef pairs with the fresh bite of green beans, creating a meal that is filling without feeling heavy. It is easy enough for busy days but still feels like real home cooking. In our home, it has become one of those dependable meals that everyone looks forward to, especially after a long day.

I have made this recipe many times, and I have learned that good ingredients make all the difference. I always use fresh green beans when possible and take my time browning the ground beef properly. I have found that letting the beef cook until nicely browned builds deep flavor and makes the whole dish taste better. Always taking this extra step is worth it.

You can serve this recipe in many ways, which is one reason I love it so much. It fits easily into weekly meal planning and works for both lunch and dinner. It is flexible, family-friendly, and easy to adjust based on what you have in your kitchen.

It’s Perfect For:

• Busy Weeknights
• Family Dinners
• Meal Prep
• Budget-Friendly Cooking
• Balanced Meals

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Small bowl for mixing sauces

How to Make Ground Beef and Green Beans

Step 1

Prepare the ingredients: Wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic, keeping everything ready before you start cooking, as this dish comes together quickly once the heat is on.

Step 2

Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3

Add aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes soft and slightly translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Cook the green beans: Add the green beans to the skillet and stir well to combine them with the beef and aromatics. Pour in the water or beef broth, cover the skillet, and let everything cook for about 5 minutes. This step lightly steams the green beans, helping them become tender while still keeping a slight crisp texture.

Step 5

Season the dish: Uncover the skillet and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly so the sauce coats the beef and green beans evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and deepen.

Step 6

Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a slightly thicker, glossy sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes more, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and clings nicely to the beef and green beans.

Step 7

Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve hot, making sure each plate gets a good balance of savory ground beef and crisp-tender green beans.

Helpful Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Green Beans

• Brown the beef properly
  Allow the beef to sit in the pan before stirring so it can develop color.
  This step builds rich flavor and prevents steaming.
  Good browning makes the dish taste deeper and better.
• Trim green beans evenly
  Cutting green beans the same size helps them cook evenly.
  This keeps them tender but still slightly crisp.
  Uneven pieces may cook too fast or stay tough.
• Use medium-high heat
  Medium-high heat keeps the beef juicy and the beans vibrant.
  Low heat can make the vegetables dull and soft.
  Proper heat gives better texture and flavor.
• Add garlic at the right time
  Garlic should be added after onions soften.
  This prevents burning and bitterness.
  It keeps the flavor warm and fragrant.
• Taste before serving
  Always taste the dish at the end of cooking.
  Adjust seasoning slowly if needed.
  Small changes can improve the final result.
• Control the liquid
  Too much liquid can make the dish watery.
  Add broth or water little by little.
  This keeps the sauce rich and balanced.
• Let the dish rest briefly
  Letting it rest for a minute helps flavors settle.
  The sauce thickens naturally.
  It improves texture before serving.

Optional Ingredients You Can Add

• Bell peppers for sweetness and color
• Mushrooms for extra depth
• Fresh ginger for warmth
• Chili paste for spice
• Sesame oil for aroma
• Hoisin sauce for mild sweetness

How to Serve Ground Beef and Green Beans

I usually serve Ground Beef and Green Beans over warm white rice because the rice absorbs the savory sauce and makes the meal feel complete. This combination is comforting, filling, and perfect for family dinners when everyone wants something familiar and satisfying.

I also enjoy serving this dish with noodles, especially when I want something a little more hearty. Soft egg noodles, rice noodles, or even lo mein-style noodles work very well and turn this recipe into a cozy one-bowl meal without extra effort.

I sometimes serve it in crisp lettuce cups when I want a lighter option. The lettuce adds a fresh crunch and makes the dish feel refreshing, especially for lunch or warmer days, while still keeping all the flavor.

Is Ground Beef and Green Beans Healthy?

Yes, this dish can be a healthy choice when made at home with simple ingredients. Ground beef provides protein and iron, which help keep you full and energized, while green beans add fiber and important vitamins.

By controlling the amount of oil and sauces, this meal stays balanced and nourishing. Using lean beef and fresh vegetables makes it a satisfying dish that does not feel heavy or overly rich.

Variations and Substitutions

• Ground Turkey Version
  Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter option.
  It cooks quickly and absorbs seasoning well.
  Add extra spices for stronger flavor.
  Great for lower-calorie meals.
• Spicy Asian-Style
  Add chili garlic sauce and fresh ginger.
  Finish with sesame oil for aroma.
  The flavors become bold and warming.
  Perfect for spice lovers.
• Low-Carb Version
  Serve without rice or with cauliflower rice.
  Use low-sodium soy sauce.
  Still filling and satisfying.
  Ideal for low-carb diets.
• Garlic Lovers Version
  Double the garlic for stronger flavor.
  Roasted garlic adds sweetness.
  Very comforting and rich.
  Great for garlic fans.
• Vegetable-Heavy Version
  Add carrots, zucchini, or cabbage.
  Increases volume and nutrition.
  Great for clearing the fridge.
  Still balanced and tasty.
• Sweet and Savory Version
  Add a touch of honey or brown sugar.
  Balances salty flavors.
  Kids usually enjoy this version.
  Still simple and comforting.
• Soy-Free Version
  Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  Keeps the dish allergy-friendly.
  Flavor remains savory.
  Easy to adjust.
• One-Pot Meal Version
  Stir cooked rice directly into the pan.
  Mix gently until combined.
  Less cleanup required.
  Perfect for busy nights.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure the dish cools completely before storing to maintain freshness and texture.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave in short intervals. Add a small splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, and stir gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Green Beans

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used if fresh ones are not available, but they should be thawed and drained first to avoid excess moisture.

What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
Lean ground beef works best because it provides flavor without making the dish greasy, and an 80/20 blend is a good choice.

Can I make Ground Beef and Green Beans ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead because the flavors deepen as it rests, making it taste even better the next day.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is very kid-friendly when made without spicy ingredients, as the flavors are mild and comforting.

Ground Beef and Green Beans Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Main DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Ground Beef and Green Beans is an easy, flavorful weeknight recipe made with simple ingredients, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

• 1/4 cup water or beef broth

Directions

• Prepare the ingredients: Wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic, keeping everything ready before you start cooking, as this dish comes together quickly once the heat is on.
• Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
• Add aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes soft and slightly translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Cook the green beans: Add the green beans to the skillet and stir well to combine them with the beef and aromatics. Pour in the water or beef broth, cover the skillet, and let everything cook for about 5 minutes. This step lightly steams the green beans, helping them become tender while still keeping a slight crisp texture.
• Season the dish: Uncover the skillet and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly so the sauce coats the beef and green beans evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and deepen.
• Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a slightly thicker, glossy sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes more, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and clings nicely to the beef and green beans.
• Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve hot, making sure each plate gets a good balance of savory ground beef and crisp-tender green beans.