Hamburger Meat And Green Bean Skillet
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I love whipping up quick and easy meals on busy weeknights, and this Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet is a favorite in our house. It's packed with flavor and nutrition, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of juicy ground beef and fresh green beans creates a satisfying dish that my family devours every time. I always keep some basic ingredients on hand, so I can make this hearty skillet whenever the cravings strike.
When I first made this Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious it turned out. I had some ground beef and fresh green beans from the farmer's market, so I decided to blend the two into a one-pan meal that wouldn't require much prep. The cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, making it a satisfying dish that hits all the right notes.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add other vegetables or spices to customize it to your family's tastes. The sweetness of the green beans complements the savory beef perfectly, creating a wonderfully balanced dish. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one skillet!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation for busy nights
- Healthy and balanced, combining protein and vegetables
- Versatile; you can swap in your favorite veggies
Understanding the Ingredients
The primary ingredient in this dish is ground beef, which serves as the protein base. Choosing a good quality beef will enhance the flavor considerably; I recommend going for 80/20 ground beef for a balance of tenderness and flavor. Keep in mind that leaner meats can lead to a drier result. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted seamlessly, but be sure to adjust the seasoning to add richness as these meats are less fatty.
Fresh green beans add a vibrant color and crunch, making them an essential element of this skillet. When selecting them, choose bright green, firm beans without any blemishes. If you only have frozen green beans on hand, you can use them, but reduce the cooking time slightly, as frozen beans will release more moisture during cooking and may become mushy if overcooked.
Cooking Method Tips
When cooking the ground beef, it's important to use medium heat and give it time to brown properly. This browning creates a rich, deep flavor through the Maillard reaction, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Stir occasionally and avoid overcrowding the skillet; if your pan is too full, the meat will steam instead of searing. Use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces for even cooking and browning.
As the green beans cook, keep an eye on their texture. You want them to be tender-crisp, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes of cooking after adding them to the skillet. Stirring occasionally will prevent them from browning too much and ensures they cook evenly. If you prefer your green beans softer, you can cover the skillet for the last few minutes, but be cautious not to overdo it, or they'll lose their vibrant color.
Ingredients
Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Make sure to wash and trim the green beans before cooking!
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Add Vegetables
Once the beef is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Incorporate Green Beans
Stir in the green beans, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and paprika. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender yet crisp.
Enjoy your delicious meal right from the skillet!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrition.
Storing and Reheating
This Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it on the stovetop over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
If you're considering making this dish in advance, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onions and garlic, trim the green beans, and store them in the refrigerator. The ground beef can also be browned separately and frozen; when ready to use, just defrost it overnight in the refrigerator. This can save you significant cooking time on a busy night.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside cooked rice or quinoa. The nuttiness of these grains complements the beef and beans wonderfully. You can also serve it with a fresh side salad to add a refreshing crunch and additional nutrients to your meal.
For added flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or cilantro, over the finished dish just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors, making it even more satisfying. Feel free to customize your dish with extras like shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the richness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until they are heated through.
→ What kind of ground meat can I use?
You can use any ground meat you prefer, such as turkey, chicken, or pork, for different flavors.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and reheat it when ready to serve. It holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Hamburger Meat And Green Bean Skillet
I love whipping up quick and easy meals on busy weeknights, and this Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet is a favorite in our house. It's packed with flavor and nutrition, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of juicy ground beef and fresh green beans creates a satisfying dish that my family devours every time. I always keep some basic ingredients on hand, so I can make this hearty skillet whenever the cravings strike.
What You'll Need
Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Once the beef is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the green beans, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and paprika. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender yet crisp.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrition.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 35g