This easy green beans and ground beef recipe is a quick, flavorful meal you can make on busy nights. It’s low carb, packed with protein, and comes together in one pan with minimal cleanup.
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If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for quick and easy dinners that don’t skimp on flavor. That’s why I love making this easy stir fry with green beans and lean ground beef. It’s one of those go-to meals I turn to when I don’t have time to think about what’s for dinner. Everything cooks up in one pan, and I usually have all the ingredients on hand, which is a total win on busy weeknights.
I love this recipe because the dish is comforting and filling without being heavy. Sometimes I'll top it with cheese if I’m craving something cozy or add chili garlic sauce for something spicier. It’s great all year round, but I especially enjoy it in the cooler months when I’m in the mood for something warm and satisfying. It combines well with slow cooker rice for a simple meal.
If you’re following a low carb or keto-friendly lifestyle, this recipe is perfect for you. I started making it when I was trying to cut back on carbs, and it quickly became a staple in our meal rotation. When you need an easy weeknight meal after a long day, green beans with ground beef is sure to become one of your favorite ways to use green beans.
Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Used for frying, it adds healthy fats and helps bring out the flavors of the beef and garlic.
- Ground beef – Provides protein, richness, and a hearty base for the dish.
- Garlic (minced) – Adds a punch of savory, aromatic flavor that enhances the entire meal.
- Green beans (fresh or frozen) – Brings freshness, crunch, and nutrients while balancing the richness of the beef.
- Gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos – Adds savory umami flavor and seasoning without needing extra salt.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Just follow the simple directions below to make the ground beef stir fry.
Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and garlic. Stir-fry until the meat has browned, 4 to 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Add the string beans and soy sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and cover until the veggies are heated and tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the lid and stir-fry for another 1 or 2 minutes.
Hint: Sauté the vegetables just until tender to keep their bright color and slight crunch, which adds great texture to the dish.
Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize this easy stir fry recipe:
- Add onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Use a different ground meat like ground chicken or turkey.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Top with shredded cheese for a melty, comforting twist.
- Mix in cooked rice or cauliflower rice to make it more filling.
- Swap the vegetable with broccoli or zucchini for a different veggie combo.
- Add a splash of sesame oil or rice vinegar for a touch of Asian-inspired flavor.
Be sure to check out my Korean ground beef recipe if you want another easy ground beef dinner idea.
Tips
Top tip: Cook the ground beef first and drain any excess grease before adding other ingredients to keep the dish flavorful but not greasy.
- Use a large skillet or pan to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- If using frozen green beans, thaw them slightly or add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Season the beef well while browning for deeper flavor throughout the dish.
- Don’t overcook the green beans—keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Add garlic after the beef is partially cooked to prevent burning.
- For meal prep, store in airtight containers and reheat in a skillet for best results.
Serving suggestions
This ground beef and string bean stir fry recipe is super versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preferences or dietary needs. If you're keeping things low carb or keto, it’s perfect just the way it is without a side. But if you want to round it out a bit more, try serving it over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a satisfying base that keeps carbs in check.
For a more classic, comforting approach, serve it over steamed white rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce and adds a nice, hearty element to the meal. You could also spoon it over egg noodles or serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes if you're in the mood for something cozy and filling. It’s a great way to turn a simple skillet meal into a full dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Another idea is to use it as a filling or topping. Spoon it into lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb lunch, or pile it into air fried sweet potatoes for a flavorful twist. It also works great as a meal prep option. Just pack it with your favorite side, and you’ve got a ready-to-go lunch or dinner.
Storage
To store ground beef and green beans, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to reheat, the best method is to warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering loosely and heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Either way, it reheats well and makes for a convenient, flavorful meal anytime.
FAQs
Yes, frozen green beans work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them slightly or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through evenly.
If you don’t have soy sauce or coconut aminos on hand, you can use tamari for a gluten-free alternative, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor may slightly differ depending on what you choose.
Yes, you can easily swap ground beef with other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish.
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Recipe
Green Beans and Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil for frying
- ½ pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cut green beans about 4 ounces
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and garlic. Stir-fry until the meat has browned, 4 to 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in the green beans and soy sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and cover until the green beans are heated and tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir-fry for 1 or 2 minutes more.
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