Sautéed Green Beans

This sautéed green beans recipe is so buttery and flavorful! Simple ingredients and an easy cooking method give you a deliciously crisp-tender side dish in 10 minutes.

Growing up, Green Bean Casserole was my FAVORITE way to eat green beans.

I still make it almost every year for Thanksgiving, and I’ve made it healthier using Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup and fresh green beans, but sometimes I need a healthy side dish that is CRAZY FAST and super simple.

Something that calls for minimal ingredients and a super short cooking time so I can just get dinner done and on the table!

That’s why this sauteed green beans recipe is now my go-to for making green beans!

SAUTÉED GARLIC GREEN BEANS RECIPE

Aside from the fact that this delicious green beans recipe is REALLY FAST, these sauteed string beans are also:

• Flavorful. Butter and garlic make these green beans shine!
• Perfectly crisp-tender. Make your green beans exactly how you want them.
• Easy. Toss everything in the skillet and go!
• Quick. This side dish comes together in 10 minutes.
• Simple. A short ingredients list and an easy cooking method make for a yummy addition to dinner.
• Versatile! This green beans recipe is the classic version, but I also have a few flavor variations listed for you for even more yumminess!

Honestly, if you need a quick side dish with impeccable taste, this super easy recipe is the way to go!

GARLIC FINE BEANS INGREDIENTS

Here’s your simple ingredients list to make this sauteed green beans recipe:

• Green beans. Obviously, you need green beans, also known as fine beans. They’re the star here!
• Cooking spray. This helps the sautéed green beans get perfectly crisp in the skillet.
• Butter. Because everything’s better with butter! You can use a tablespoon of leftover bacon grease instead for a dairy-free version.
• Minced garlic. I like to buy jars of minced garlic because it makes prep time so much faster, but you can use fresh garlic and mince it yourself.
• Salt and black pepper. Simple seasonings are all you need here!

Psst! Not all salts are made the same! I love Ava Jane’s Kitchen because it doesn’t have microplastics (gross, right?) and it’s SO GOOD! Plus, you can get a free 8oz. bag of sea salt (just pay shipping and handling!).

INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO COOK FRESH GREEN BEANS WITH GARLIC

Step 1. Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 1” pieces (if desired). Place the green beans in a cast iron skillet and spray them with cooking spray for 2-3 seconds.

Step 2. Top the green beans with the butter, garlic, and salt and pepper.

Step 3. Cook green beans on medium-high for 4-6 minutes, or until the green beans are your desired tenderness.

I love green beans to be firm and charred, so I crank up the heat and stir the green beans around for no more than 5 minutes.

If you want your green beans to be softer, keep the heat on medium. They’ll need about 7 minutes, but you can walk away if you need to.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-6 days. This recipe does not freeze well.

VARIATIONS FOR SAUTÉED GREEN BEANS RECIPE

If you want some variety besides garlic, try these sautéed green beans with:

• Lemon juice for a fresh pop of citrus; include fresh basil for a twist!
• Bacon for an indulgent (but still easy!) side
• Sliced mushrooms for a veggie boost and a savory umami flavor
• Almonds for a bit of crunch
• Onions for a bonus veggie plus extra flavor
• Minced ginger and sesame oil for a nutty, tangy finish
• A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra-rich green beans
• Add a splash of soy sauce and a dash of sesame seeds at the end for a salty, savory dish.
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.

Another option is to make roasted green beans. Use this basic recipe for roasted broccoli; just simply swap it for green beans! There’s nothing easier than laying food in a single layer on a baking sheet and sticking it in the oven!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH SAUTÉED GREEN BEAN RECIPES

When I make easy green bean recipes, I like to pair them with a protein and a carb. Some of my favorites to make with sautéed green beans are:

• Almond Crusted Baked Chicken and Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Hemp and Herb Crusted Pork Chops and Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
• Blackened Salmon and Instant Pot Brown Rice
• Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs and Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Don’t forget some Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler for dessert! Yum!

GREEN BEAN DISHES FAQS

OTHER EASY VEGETABLE SIDE DISHES

• Lemon Butter Asparagus
• Easy 10-Minute Pan-Roasted Broccoli
• Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables
• Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
• Caramelized Onions and Swiss Chard
• Brussels Sprouts and Bacon