Ground Beef & Green Bean Skillet
A nutrient-dense 30-minute meal that perfectly balances high-quality protein with fresh, snappy vegetables. This skillet dish utilizes the Maillard reaction to create a deep, savory umami base from browned ground beef, finished with fresh green beans and a hint of garlic and soy. It is a simple, effective, and delicious dinner solution designed for busy weeknights without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Searing and Steaming
- Cuisine: Modern American
- Diet: High Protein
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (85/15 ratio)
2 cups (approx. 300g) Fresh Green Beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch segments
1/2 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
1 tbsp (15ml) Low-sodium Soy Sauce
1/2 tsp (2.5g) Garlic Powder
1 tbsp Oil (for cooking)
Instructions
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
Add the ground beef to the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd, and brown thoroughly until a dark crust forms.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent.
Stir in the green beans, garlic powder, and soy sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Add a small splash of water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid to steam for 3-5 minutes, or until beans are tender-crisp.
Remove the lid, stir to ensure the beef juices and soy sauce glaze the vegetables, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the beef is not overcrowded to allow for proper searing rather than steaming. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps manage the salt levels, but feel free to adjust to your taste preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.