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Made with fresh or frozen produce, these simple Garlic Butter Green Beans are packed with so much flavor! Sure to become a favorite veggie side dish, you’ll make this easy recipe again and again.

A close up look at a white bowl of green beans topped with garlic
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You won’t find a simpler veggie side dish than these delicious green beans! From stove to table, they’re ready in only 10 minutes.

And while they’re great for a holiday side dish, they truly shine as an easy weeknight recipe that the whole family will love.

What’s In This Recipe?

Just a few simple ingredients:

  • Green beans
  • Butter (use vegan butter to make it dairy-free)
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh garlic
  • Flaky salt (I used Maldon)
A bowl of green beans, olive oil, butter, salt, and garlic

a note from sarah

Sustainability Tip

If you have leftover green beans, don’t let them go to waste!

Try our refrigerator dilly beans, learn to can green beans, or follow our tutorial for freezing green beans.

green beans in a steamer basket in a saucepan.
butter melting in a skillet.
butter and garlic in a skillet.
toasted garlic in a skillet.
steamed green beans in a saucepan.
a skillet with green beans.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

  • You can make these ahead of time as part of your meal prep! Simply blanch the green beans and store them in an air-tight container for up to three days. Add to the pan once the garlic butter is ready.
  • If using canned beans, drain well and toss in the garlic butter sauce in the pan for only 1-2 minutes or until they are heated through. You don’t want to overcook them.
  • If using frozen beans, briefly heat in the microwave (~1 minute) or steamer basket (~2 minutes) before adding to the garlic butter in the pan.

Variations

  • Everyone has a preference for the texture of their beans. For an al dente bite, follow the instructions below. Beans are ready in the steamer basket when they are bright green and vibrant. See recipe notes for softer texture cooking notes.
  • Top with delicious homemade crispy shallots for a weeknight take on our cheesy green bean casserole.
  • Add some zested lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan or pecorino romano to take this dish to the next level.
A white bowl with green beans and a copper fork on a white board
5 from 3 ratings

Garlic Butter Green Beans

By: Sarah Cook
Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
A close up look at a white bowl of green beans topped with garlic
Made with fresh or frozen produce, these simple garlic butter green beans are packed with so much flavor! Sure to become a favorite veggie side dish, you'll make this easy recipe again and again.

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups green beans {trimmed}
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/2 tsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic {minced}
  • pinch of salt {optional}

Instructions 

  • Trim the ends of green beans.
    2 cups green beans
  • Add 1-2 inches of water to a saucepan and fit with a steamer basket. Bring to a full boil before adding the beans.
  • Reduce heat to medium, steam green beans covered for 4-5 minutes (larger beans may take 5-6). Remove from heat.
  • While the beans are steaming, heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt butter in hot skillet.
    2 tbsp salted butter
  • Add olive oil and minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook until garlic is lightly browned (2-3 minutes), stirring often.
    1/2 tsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic
  • Add steamed beans to the garlic butter and toss to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until they have reached your desired texture.
    pinch of salt

Notes

  1. Beans will be al dente following the directions in the recipe. If you prefer a softer green bean texture, steam for an extra 1-2 minutes, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes in the garlic butter.
  2. Meal prep these by blanching the green beans (instructions here in How to Blanch and Freeze Green Beans) and storing in an air-tight container for up to three days. Add to the pan once the garlic butter is ready.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 54mgPotassium: 125mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 554IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @sustainablecooks or tag #sustainablecooks!

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About Sarah Cook

I'm here to help you make easy, seasonal, and no-fuss recipes for yourself and your family.

Whether it's a quick one-pot dinner or if I am teaching you how to can and preserve local produce, you can consider me your elder millennial grandma

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5 from 3 votes

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6 Comments

  1. I just finished making and eating these green beans with garlic butter two nights in a row. So easy, yet so delicious. I have friends coming for dinner on Sunday and this has just replaced the other vegetable. I was going to serve! People, don’t let the simplicity of this recipe. Keep you from trying it. It is my new favorite way to eat green beans. Thanks, Sarah!5 stars

    Reply

    1. Love to hear that, Paulette! This is one of my favorites as well, and it’s great for leftovers.

      If you’re now excited about simple green bean recipes, check out my green beans in tomato sauce. I sometimes through in some cubed and cooked potatoes and slice chicken sausage (I cook it in the air fryer) on top.

      Reply