Green Beans And Ground Beef
Green Beans and Ground Beef offers a savory combination of tender green beans and seasoned ground beef, enhanced by soy sauce and garlic. This hearty, quick-cooking dish pairs perfectly with hot cooked rice, making it an ideal weeknight meal for those craving bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown chopped onion and minced garlic lightly in fat.
- Add ground beef and cook, stirring with a fork, for 3 minutes.
- Add soy sauce and 3 cups of water, then heat to boiling.
- Add green beans and cook for 10 minutes.
- Blend cornstarch with a little water and add to the mixture to thicken.
- Cook slowly for 10 minutes longer, stirring often.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms while sautéing the onion and garlic. For a healthier twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different proteins or veggies, similar to what you might find in Pat'S Hungarian Goulash.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. It pairs well with a side of steamed carrots or a fresh salad for added crunch. Consider garnishing with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra touch. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Hearty Steak And Kidney Pie for a comforting meal duo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover green beans and ground beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, covered, in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans And Ground Beef contains roughly 717 calories, with 10g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1909mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are convenient and will cook quickly. Just add them to the dish during the boiling step, but reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid mushiness. Make sure to stir well to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for cornstarch as a thickener?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickener. Mix about 1 tablespoon of flour with a little water to create a slurry before adding it to the dish. Keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to thicken compared to cornstarch.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just ensure that they are cut into similar sizes as the green beans for even cooking. This will add color and nutrition, making it a more well-rounded meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).