Buttery, fresh sautéed green beans are a classic side dish recipe for weeknights or holiday dinners. Minced garlic and lemon pepper add tasty flavor and it’s ready in only 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.
Table of Contents
Sautéed Green Bean Recipe
These are such classic and easy side dish recipes that pair 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 green bean recipe does! It’s a classic, easy and delicious side dish that I’m sure many of you make at home. My favorite way to cook them is either to sauté or roast them in the oven. They turn out perfectly tender, flavorful, and taste so fresh.
Easy Sautéed Green Beans Ingredients
Finding green beans at the farmer’s market or grocery store work perfectly for this dish. The texture is smooth, and firm, and has a crunchy outside. The green beans sauteed in sweet and zesty ingredients give you the best side dish!
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.
Seasonings
There are plenty of ways to season them based on preference. One variation we love is to make green bean bundles with bacon. Here are some other favorites:
- 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.
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 however you prefer. Make sure to serve fresh while hot for the best taste!
- Sautéed. 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 green beans on a pan and drizzle with oil and sprinkle with S&P. Roast until edges are slightly brown about 20-25 minutes.
5 star review
“These are the best green beans!! Only recipe I use to make green beans…so delicious!”
-Jennifer
Favorites to Serve Alongside
Pair these sauteed green beans with your favorite protein or a delicious pasta dish! Vegetables are a light and tasty side dish that compliments any meal. These green beans will complete any meal!
- Steak in oven: Steak cooks up nice and juicy in the oven. Its rich flavor pairs perfectly with fresh, crisp green 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.
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 green beans before sauteing them. Using the saute cooking method, the green beans will become perfectly tender nad bright green.
If you choose to blanch beans before sauteeing, it can bring out more color and give a crisp and tender outer layer. It also preserves texture too.
Yes! Green beans are important for vitamin K, manganese, Vitamin C, finger, and B vitamins. Vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease, blood pressure, and forms of cancer, as well as avoid obesity.
Storing Seasoned Green Beans
If you have them sitting in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about a week. They make a great vegetable to keep on hand to whip up throughout the week. Once sautéed or roasted, they’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
More Veggie Recipes to Try
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
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
- Place 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.
- Add the butter or olive oil, minced garlic and 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!
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 also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes 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!