Hamburger Meat And Green Bean Skillet

Name: Hamburger Meat And Green Bean Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground hamburger meat; 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup beef broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Highlighted under: Everyday Cozy Meals

I love whipping up this Hamburger Meat And Green Bean Skillet for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor and so simple to prepare. In about 30 minutes, I can serve a satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys. The combination of ground beef and fresh green beans creates a delicious balance, and I always have the ingredients on hand. Whether I'm in a rush or looking to impress guests, this skillet dish is my go-to choice for its ease and taste.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:45:37.018Z

When I first tried this Hamburger Meat And Green Bean Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. Cooking the ground beef until perfectly browned then adding fresh green beans allows the veggies to retain their vibrant color and crunch. I love the way the seasoning melds with the beef juices, creating a luscious sauce that coats everything deliciously.

One particular tip I found invaluable is to use fresh green beans instead of canned ones. They not only taste better, but their texture holds up well, giving the dish a satisfying crunch. Pairing this skillet with a warm baguette or over rice makes it a complete, comforting meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy one-pan meal
Flavorful combination of beef and vegetables
Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of ingredients in this Hamburger Meat And Green Bean Skillet is central to achieving a vibrant and balanced dish. Fresh green beans add a crisp texture and a subtle earthiness that nicely complements the richness of the ground beef. For best results, select green beans that are bright green and firm, avoiding those that are wilted or have brown spots. If fresh is not available, you can substitute with frozen green beans, but adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking, as frozen beans may require slightly less than the full five minutes in the skillet.

The quality of ground beef greatly influences the overall flavor of the dish. I prefer to use lean ground beef to minimize excess grease, which can make the dish too oily. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken; both can provide a lighter alternative while still delivering protein. Just ensure to watch the cooking time closely, as these meats typically cook faster than beef.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

Cooking the ground beef effectively sets the stage for the entire dish. It's important to leave the meat undisturbed for the first couple of minutes in the skillet to develop a nice browning. After it has browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon allows even cooking and prevents clumping. Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning; this will prevent your skillet from becoming greasy and maintain a clean flavor profile.

The timing when adding ingredients is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. When you add the onions and garlic, listen for a gentle sizzle; if it sounds too aggressive, reduce the heat slightly. Cooking until the onions are just translucent ensures they will impart sweetness to the dish without burning, which can lead to bitter flavors. This technique adds depth and enhances the profile of the dish, making the flavors harmonize beautifully.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Hamburger Meat And Green Bean Skillet

1 lb ground hamburger meat
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup beef broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have at home!

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground hamburger meat and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then drain excess fat.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Add the Green Beans

Stir in the trimmed green beans, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Make It Saucy

Pour in the beef broth and add halved cherry tomatoes. Cover and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes until the green beans are tender but still crisp.

Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a cozy meal!

This dish is fantastic served with rice or crusty bread.

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the beef.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Hamburger Meat And Green Bean Skillet is a fantastic meal prep option. You can prepare it up to two days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist and prevent drying out. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

If you want to extend the shelf life, consider freezing leftovers. Portion them into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion as they freeze. This dish can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, making for a convenient weeknight meal. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat using the stovetop method mentioned earlier for best results.

Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas

This recipe is versatile, and you can experiment with various flavor profiles. Try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce while the meat cooks for a richer, deeper flavor. Alternatively, incorporating a few spoonfuls of soy sauce can give it an Asian twist. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top just before serving to add freshness and color.

For serving, I like to garnish this dish with crumbled feta cheese or fresh grated Parmesan to enhance the flavor even further. Pair it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices. This meal also works well as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups, giving you crunchy and satisfying options for lunch or dinner.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen green beans instead?

Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may require less time to cook.

→ What can I substitute for beef?

You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots would work great in this dish.