Buttery, fresh sautéed green beans are an easy classic side dish recipe any night of the week. All you need are four simple ingredients and it’s ready in 15 minutes!
For completing meals, you can’t go wrong with a veggie side dish recipe. Try honey butter skillet corn or roasted butternut squash.
Easy Green Bean Recipe
These are such classic and easy side dish recipe that pairs perfectly with almost any main dish. They’re one veggie that everyone in my family loves, as well as parmesan roasted broccoli and roasted potatoes and carrots.
Sometimes it’s nice to take it back to the basics, and that’s exactly what this easy green bean recipe does! It’s a classic delicious side dish that I’m sure many of you make at home. My favorite way to cook them is to sauté or roast them in the oven. They turn out perfectly tender, flavorful, and taste so fresh.
Easy Sautéed Green Beans Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Green beans: The firmer the better! Look for fresh and not wilted green veggies for a fresh and delicious dish.
- Butter: Melt the butter in the skillet and coat the green beans with the
- Minced garlic: Slice and cut the garlic cloves into small, tiny pieces. You can even use the minced garlic from the jar.
- Lemon pepper: Has zesty and citrusy flavors with a hint of black pepper in the seasoning.
How to Cook Green Beans
I love them sautéed, however, roasted are equally as delicious and a bit more crispy! I’ve included both methods below, so feel free to cook green beans however you prefer.
- Sauteed green beans. In a large skillet, add beans and cover with 1/3 cup water. Cover skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Season. Remove the lid and let the water evaporate. Add butter (or olive oil), minced garlic, and lemon pepper, then cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Roasted. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place beans on a pan and drizzle with oil and sprinkle with S&P. Roast until edges are slightly brown about 20-25 minutes.
Variations to Try
- Lemon and Parmesan: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top once they’re done cooking for a zesty flavor. Add 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese to add a savory element!
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Add some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Onion: Feel free to add in some minced onion with the garlic if you have some on hand.
- Garlic: Adding fresh garlic or garlic powder adds a great flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Keep it simple and season with salt and black pepper. It adds plenty of flavors and showcases their natural freshness.
- Slow cooker green beans: Making green beans in the crockpot is the best during busy holidays!
Serving Suggestions
Simple green beans pair well with traditional holiday favorites and weeknight meals!
- Steak in oven: Steak cooks up nice and juicy in the oven. Its rich flavor pairs perfectly with the fresh, crisp beans.
- Chicken marinade: This is our favorite marinade for grilling chicken. So easy and delicious!
- Ham: This ham recipe is cooked in a slow cooker with the best glaze. Perfect for holidays!
- Baked ziti: We love pasta and this dish is one of our favorites. It’s full of flavor and extra filling.
- Pork tenderloin: The pork is tender and juicy and takes less than 30 minutes to make.
More green bean recipes to try include bacon wrapped green bean bundles, green bean casserole and crockpot green beans.
More Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
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Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans , trimmed
- 1-2 Tablespoons butter , or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper
S&P, to taste
Instructions
- Add green beans. Place 1 pound trimmed green beans in a large skillet and cover with 1/3 cup water. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes. Remove lid and let water evaporate.
- Saute. Add 2 Tablespoons butter or olive oil, 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper. Cook an additional 3-5 minutes, or until tender. Salt and pepper, to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe FAQs
I recommend trimming them prior to cooking them. The ends are a bit tough and fibrous, so trimming helps to create a tender and delicious green bean. I typically cut about 1/4 of an inch off of the ends.
You do not need to blanch or steam them before sauteing them. Using the saute cooking method, the green beans will become perfectly tender and bright green.
Once you have sauteed or roasted them, they’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Categorized as: American, Christmas, Dairy-Free, Easter, Low Carb, Side Dishes, Stovetop, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Whole 30
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
These beans are so flavorful and delicious! They were the perfect side for grilled chicken last night!
So glad you enjoyed the green beans recipe!
I loved this simple way to make green beans! They are the perfect quick addition to weeknight meals! Thank you for these super helpful tips!
This is such an easy but DELICIOUS way to make green beans. Definitely going to make this more for an easy side dish.
Made these for the family and it was a hit!
This is a favorite side dish of mine but I love the addition of parmesan cheese! Delish!
Such a simple and delightful dish! I love using green beans in so many different dishes, too!
My kid loves green beans. I need to make this for him!
Looks so beautiful even though it’s so simple – such a perfect side to balance out the heavy meal!
These would be so great for snacking! Thanks for sharing!
Perfect easy, fresh veggie side dish! Love it!
Green beans are always a hit in our house! So quick and easy.
These are the best green beans!! Only recipe I use to make green beans…so delicious!
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed them! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Jennifer! :)
I could eat green beans every other day and never tire of them – they’re just so good! Love the tips and techniques!