Skillet Green Beans
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Friends, forget about those mushy, over-boiled green beans you’re used to. My Skillet Green Beans are here to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your dinner plate, making even the simplest meal feel like a special occasion!
Easy Skillet Green Beans
Imagine green beans that are tender yet crisp, swathed in a buttery, garlic-infused sauce. These Skillet Green Beans are the show-stoppers you never knew you needed, where rustic comfort meets gourmet flavor in just one skillet.
With just 15 minutes of cooking time, this dish is as quick as it is flavorful. A spritz of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley elevate it from everyday fare to guest-worthy grub. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a statement piece for your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love These Skillet Green Beans
- Effortless Elegance: Who says you can’t have gourmet on a Tuesday night? This dish transforms humble green beans into a luxurious side that’s both easy to make and elegant—perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Quick and Convenient: Forget fussy prep work or long cooking times; all you need is 15 minutes and a skillet. The ideal recipe for anyone who loves great food but is short on time.
- Versatile and Flavorful: The blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a zing of lemon make these green beans the perfect companion to a variety of main courses. Plus, you can dial the heat up or down with optional red pepper flakes to suit every palate!
- Fresh Green Beans: The star of the show! They bring color and a satisfying crunch. If fresh ones are out of reach, frozen green beans can work in a pinch, just adjust the cooking time.
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, you could use olive oil or even coconut oil for a different twist.
- Garlic, minced: Gives the dish that aromatic punch we all love. No fresh garlic? Garlic powder or even shallots could fill in.
- Italian Seasoning: Elevates the beans with a medley of herbs. If you’re out, a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme can replicate the essence.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like it hot! Feel free to omit or replace with a dash of cayenne or paprika for a different kind of warmth.
- Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasoning duo. Use sea salt, kosher, or Himalayan pink salt based on your preference. Same goes for the pepper—freshly ground or pre-ground, your call.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and a touch of savory goodness. Vegetable broth can be a great vegetarian substitution.
- Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed: Brightens up the dish with a zesty finish. If lemons aren’t available, a dash of white wine vinegar could work.
- Chopped Parsley: For that final touch of color and freshness. No parsley? Try chives or even a sprinkle of basil for a different note.
You won’t believe how easy this dish is. Grab your skillet, and let’s turn some ordinary green beans into culinary magic!
First things first, melt that butter in your skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it hang out for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s time to move on when your kitchen starts smelling like an Italian restaurant. Heaven, right?
Next up, let’s invite the green beans to the party. Throw them into the skillet and give them a good stir. Add your Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy, salt, and pepper. Oh, and pour in that chicken broth—it makes everything cozy and flavorful.
Pop the lid on and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally; we don’t want anyone feeling neglected in there. This is when the magic happens—the flavors meld, and the beans get that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Almost done! Uncover the skillet and turn down the heat to medium-low. Let those beans cook for another 2-3 minutes. They’ll start to char just a bit, which is pure gold, trust me.
To wrap it up, add a splash of fresh lemon juice. It really lifts the dish, like the last note in a great song. Sprinkle some chopped parsley for color, and you’re all set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?
You bet! If you’re using frozen green beans, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just keep in mind they may take a tad longer to cook, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.
I’m not a fan of spicy food; can I skip the red pepper flakes?
Absolutely, the red pepper flakes are optional and mostly for those who like a little kick in their dish. The beans will still be full of flavor without them!
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
For sure! Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Now it’s a plant-lover’s dream!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prep the green beans and garlic in advance, but I’d recommend cooking them closer to serving time. The dish really shines when the beans are freshly cooked and the flavors are at their peak.
Serve These With
Roast Chicken
Easy Grilled Chicken Breast
Prime Rib Roast
Steak and Mushroom Pie
Expert Tips
- Quality of Green Beans: Always opt for fresh, crisp green beans. They should snap easily when bent; that’s how you know they’re fresh and will give you that sought-after tender-crisp texture.
- Garlic Timing: If you’re a garlic lover like me, the temptation to sauté it longer is real. Resist! Overcooked garlic turns bitter. Stick to 30 seconds or until aromatic for that perfect garlic kiss.
- Chicken Broth Substitute: If you find yourself out of chicken broth, don’t fret! White wine can be a delicious alternative. It will add depth and a touch of acidity to the dish.
- Lemon Zest Boost: For an even brighter lemony flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the lemon juice. It brings an extra layer of citrus zing.
- Advanced Prep: Hosting or just planning your week? You can trim and clean the green beans a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them crisp and ready for showtime.
Storage
In the fridge your green beans will last about 3 – 4 days, stored in an airtight container. They also freeze really well, so if you’d like to extend the shelf life of the beans, store them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped and they’ll last for for 4 – 6 months.
Discover More Easy Side Dishes
- Easy Cornbread Recipe
- Instant Pot Baked Beans
- Harvest Rice
- Rosemary Smashed Potatoes
- Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Butter Biscuits
- Asian Green Beans
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Skillet Green Beans
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted, add the garlic and let it saute for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes aromatic.
- Stir in the green beans, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt pepper and broth. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 – 12 minutes; stirring occasionally.
- Uncover the skillet, turn heat down to medium-low and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the green beans start to char a bit. Finally, stir in the lemon juice, garnish with parsley and serve warm!
Equipment
Notes
- Butter vs. Oil: This recipe uses butter for a richer flavor, but olive oil works well for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the Heat: Red pepper flakes add a little kick but are optional. Feel free to omit or use cayenne for a different kind of spice.
- Veggie-Friendly: Easily make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
- Cooking Time: If using frozen green beans, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for the best texture.
- Serving Size: This recipe serves about 4 as a side dish but can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
lovely change from almondine.
We have a friend that grows green beans and we’ve been lucky enough to reap some of the benefits of her plantings. Fresh green beans are the best but without seasoning they’re just plain green things. These seasonings are the exact ones I would use. I do like the idea of getting a little char on them. I love to use cast iron whenever it seems appropriate – we bought several pieces when we were at their factory in Pittsburgh,TN. And I agree with one of the comments – your pictures are wonderful and make me hungry also!
Oh, you’re living the dream with a friend who grows green beans—how fabulous is that? Fresh-from-the-garden veggies are a game-changer! 🌱 And yes, the right seasoning can make those “plain green things” sing, can’t it? Cast iron is such a kitchen treasure; it sounds like your trip to the factory in Pittsburgh was a success! 🍳 Thanks so much for the compliment on the photos. Making people hungry is basically my superpower! 😊 Enjoy those charred, perfectly seasoned green beans!
can you use frozen
Yes, you absolutely can use frozen green beans. No need to thaw them; just toss them right into the skillet. You might need to adjust the cooking time a bit—maybe add an extra few minutes to make sure they’re fully cooked and have that lovely char.
The Cast Iron Skillet is not usable on a glass top range. Can you recommend another type of skillet that will give the same effect as the cast iron?
You’re absolutely right, cast iron can be a tricky mate for a glass top range. But don’t worry, you can still get those scrumptious, slightly charred green beans! I’d recommend a heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet as a good alternative. It retains heat well, much like cast iron, giving you that similar delightful texture.
Easy and delicious. Won a rave review from a friend who is my toughest critic.
Easy and delicious.
I love green beans but am not the best at cooking it. This recipe, however, turned out perfect- a little bit of char, not squeaky when you bite, but also not mushy, and the seasoning was just the right amount!
I’m so happy to hear this. Glad you liked them!
I see that skillet is cast iron but I have never seen one like that. Is this special kind of cast iron skillet.
It’s pre-seasoned with a smooth textured cooking surface to help prevent sticking 😊
That’s not it. I have cast pans none look like this. It looks like it has a small protuberance/grip handle that is rectangular from the picture on the one side not a steam/pour indentation. Looking at cast iron pan from a picture you can’t tell if its preseason or not. Sorry to be such a pain.
We’ve worked with many cast iron skillets and this one is a favorite for us to use. It’s quite standard. Search for cast iron skillet images and you’ll see many of them have have this piece on the end; Lodge especially likes to use this piece.
My family loved these green beans! Delicious!
I made the skillet green beans and the buttermilk biscuits. Both were yummy good. The beans were crunchy just he way I like them–I might wait to put the garlic in as it did brown a little too much. But so easy and delicious. Thanks so much Jo. I love your website and your photography makes me hungry.
Thank you, Susan, so glad you’re enjoying my recipes. 🙂