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 hamburger meat; 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Kitchen

I love making this Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet for its incredible simplicity and outstanding flavor. It only takes a few ingredients and minimal time to whip up a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of savory hamburger meat with fresh green beans gives it a vibrant touch, making it an eye-catching dish. I often find myself turning to this recipe not just for its ease, but because it never fails to satisfy my cravings for comforting home-cooked goodness.

Created by

Blair Hudson

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:48:43.618Z

When I first tried this Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly I could create a wholesome meal. The trick lies in sautéing the hamburger meat with garlic and onion, allowing those flavors to infuse the green beans perfectly. This method keeps the beans slightly crisp while still tender—a texture that I absolutely adore.

Another highlight is the optional Worcestershire sauce splash I often add; it elevates the dish with a hint of umami that takes it to another level. Using fresh green beans makes a significant difference in taste and nutrition, ensuring that even picky eaters go for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
Flavorful blend of savory hamburger and crunchy green beans
Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family gathering

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh green beans elevates the texture and overall flavor of the dish. To achieve that perfect crisp-tender balance, look for beans that are bright green and slightly firm to the touch. If you can, avoid pre-packaged ones, as they can often be past their prime. When trimmed properly, the beans enhance the dish's visual appeal and add a satisfying snap with each bite. Cooking them just until vibrant green keeps their nutrients intact while ensuring they don’t turn mushy.

Ground hamburger meat is another critical element. Opt for a leaner blend, like 80/20 or 85/15 beef, which provides enough fat for flavor without excessive grease. This balance not only helps in preventing the meat from being greasy but also allows for better browning, which adds depth to the overall dish. Incorporating the onion and garlic in the first step ensures they infuse their flavor throughout the meat, creating a deliciously aromatic base.

Tips for Perfect Execution

To ensure your hamburger meat cooks evenly, break it into smaller pieces as it browns. A wooden spatula or a potato masher works great for this. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking while allowing those rich, browned bits to form on the bottom of your skillet. This Maillard reaction is key for adding flavor, so don’t rush the process; let the meat sear a little before fully mixing it with the other ingredients.

When adding the Worcestershire sauce, I recommend starting with a smaller quantity and adjusting during cooking to taste. This sauce adds a depth of umami but can overpower if used excessively. Also, remember that cook times can vary based on your stove’s heat output. Look for a nice golden brown on the meat and a tender, vibrant color on the green beans to gauge doneness instead of strictly timing it. This will help you perfect the recipe even further!

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Once your Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet is ready, consider serving it over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. For a heartier meal, you can add cooked quinoa or mashed potatoes. Top it with freshly grated cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added freshness and flavor. This dish is versatile enough that it can easily transition into a filling lunch the next day.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so on medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the green beans. Alternatively, you can freeze the skillet meal for up to two months; just be mindful that the texture of the green beans may soften upon defrosting. If you're freezing it, I recommend undercooking the beans slightly to retain some crunch when reheated.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before starting.

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground hamburger meat
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin.

Instructions

Follow these steps to cook your skillet meal to perfection.

Cook the Hamburger

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Then add the ground hamburger meat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Green Beans

Stir in the fresh green beans, salt, and pepper. If desired, add the Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender yet crisp.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet!

Enjoy this delicious meal any night of the week!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite herbs such as thyme or oregano.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is flexible with ingredients; you can swap out the ground hamburger for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The cooking time will remain similar, but be mindful to not overcook the leaner meats, as they can dry out quickly. Additionally, if you're looking for a plant-based alternative, consider using a meat substitute like lentils or canned black beans, adjusting cook times as necessary to ensure they are heated through but not mushy.

If green beans aren’t in season, frozen green beans can be a convenient substitute. They’re often flash-frozen at peak freshness, retaining flavor and nutrients. When using frozen beans, add them straight to the pan without thawing, but adjust the cooking time a bit longer to allow for proper heating through. This will ensure that they maintain a good texture while blending with the flavors of the skillet.

Adjusting Spice Levels

For those who enjoy a little heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes to the hamburger while cooking can elevate the flavor profile. A pinch is usually sufficient to bring a warm kick without overpowering the dish. If you prefer milder flavors, feel free to omit it altogether, as the savory elements from the meat and Worcestershire sauce provide plenty of depth on their own.

If you want to introduce different flavors, consider adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process. They can be added with the garlic and onion to infuse the dish with aromatic flavors. Fresh herbs tend to be more potent than dried, so if you're using dried, a teaspoon should be sufficient, added along with the Worcestershire sauce for great depth.

Meal Prep Tips

To make the Hamburger Meat and Green Bean Skillet even more time-efficient, consider prepping ingredients ahead of time. Chopping the onion and garlic, along with snapping the ends off the green beans, can all be done a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This preparation lets you whip up the dish in a matter of minutes on busy weeknights.

You could also double this recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later. Just be sure to follow proper freezing guidelines. When it comes time to reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stovetop to bring it back to life without compromising texture. This is an excellent strategy for meal prepping while still enjoying a freshly cooked meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans; just add them to the skillet while the hamburger cooks, but reduce the cooking time slightly.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can substitute leaner ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger meat and add more vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hamburger meat and green beans in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and heat them before serving.

→ What other side dishes go well with this?

This skillet dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.