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 beef; 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup beef broth (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Ideas

I love whipping up my Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet when I'm short on time but craving something hearty and satisfying. This one-pan dish takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The combination of seasoned hamburger meat and tender green beans creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Plus, the easy cleanup means I can spend more time enjoying dinner with my family rather than doing the dishes. Trust me, this recipe will become a go-to in your household!

Created by

Adriana Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-02-23T21:53:37.257Z

When I first decided to make this Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet, I was skeptical about how it would turn out. However, as I mixed the browned beef with the vibrant green beans, the fragrance filled my kitchen, promising a delightful meal. The recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and is ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights.

One important trick I learned along the way is to steam the green beans for a few minutes before mixing them in with the ground beef. This technique helps keep them crunchy and bright, adding a fresh contrast to the savory meat. Give it a try, and you’ll see how well the flavors work together!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare on busy nights
A nutritious balance of protein and vegetables
One-pan cleanup for less hassle after dinner

Balancing Flavors and Textures

In this dish, the seasoned ground beef serves as the heart of the meal, providing both protein and rich flavor. The blend of paprika, salt, and black pepper enhances the beef's natural umami, creating a savory base that's satisfying. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder if you want to give the dish a different twist. These spices not only add depth but also allow for customization to suit your family's taste preferences.

The tender green beans add a crucial crunch that contrasts pleasantly with the texture of the beef. Steaming them separately ensures they retain their bright color and snap, preventing them from becoming mushy. If you prefer a softer texture, you can add the green beans earlier in the cooking process, but be mindful not to overcook them. The ideal outcome is a colorful dish where green beans still boast a vibrant green hue.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet is not only quick to make but also great for meal prep. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep the mixture moist. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

For longer storage, consider freezing the skillet mixture in portions. Use freezer-safe containers and ensure you cool the dish completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming. When you're ready to eat, thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days, retaining its delicious flavors even after freezing.

Variations and Customizations

Don't hesitate to customize this recipe based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary needs. For instance, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for ground beef, making the dish leaner without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, you can replace green beans with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, which would bring unique flavors and textures to the dish. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the vegetables you choose.

If you'd like to add more bulk to the meal, consider incorporating cooked rice or quinoa into the skillet along with the green beans. This not only elevates the dish but also gives it a heartier feel, making it more filling. For a cheesy touch, sprinkle shredded cheese on top just before serving, allowing it to melt slightly—it complements the savory notes beautifully.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup beef broth (optional)

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Vegetables

Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Prepare the Green Beans

In a separate pot, steam the green beans for about 4-5 minutes to keep them crunchy. Once steamed, add them to the skillet with the beef mixture.

Season and Combine

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over the skillet. If desired, add beef broth to keep the mixture moist. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or spices for an extra kick!

Key Techniques

When browning the beef, ensure that your skillet is adequately preheated. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles upon contact. This helps achieve that desirable brown crust and enhances the flavor. Stir frequently, but allow enough time between stirs to let the beef caramelize properly. This step is crucial for developing robust flavors that permeate the entire dish.

Don’t rush the onion and garlic cooking step; let them sauté until the onion is translucent and glossy. This not only enhances their flavor but also prevents bitterness, which can occur if they are overly caramelized or burnt. The goal is to create a fragrant base that will elevate the overall taste of the skillet mixture.

Serving Suggestions

For a well-rounded meal, consider serving this skillet dish alongside a simple salad or some crusty bread. A fresh side salad with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty skillet, while bread can help soak up the tasty juices. This balance will ensure a satisfying dining experience for you and your family.

You can also transform this skillet dish into a more filling meal by serving it over rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. These bases will soak up the delicious flavors of the hamburger mixture, making for an even more comforting dish. Don't forget to sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving for an added touch of freshness and color.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe and is a great leaner option.

→ What can I serve with this skillet meal?

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you could serve it with rice or a piece of crusty bread for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat and vegetables in advance, just reheat and combine them before serving.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.