When it comes to heartwarming, comforting meals, nothing quite compares to a rich, creamy dish made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy one-pan dinner, this Creamy Green Bean and Ground Beef Skillet is the perfect choice. It’s rich, satisfying, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy to prepare.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about preparing this hearty dish — from ingredient selection to cooking techniques, storage, and variations. Let’s dig into this comforting favorite.
Why This Dish Works
This recipe is a classic example of how simple pantry staples can come together to create something truly delicious. Here’s why people love it:
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One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
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Affordable ingredients: Green beans, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup are cost-effective staples.
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Family-friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy the creamy texture and savory flavors.
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Customizable: You can adapt the recipe with spices, cheese, or alternative vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this dish:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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2–3 cups green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen)
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1 medium onion, chopped (optional but recommended)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
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1/2 cup (120 ml) milk or heavy cream
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1 tbsp oil or butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, crispy onions, or breadcrumbs
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
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If you’re using fresh green beans, wash and trim the ends, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly.
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If you’re using canned green beans, drain and rinse well to remove excess salt.
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Frozen green beans can be used as-is; just thaw them slightly before adding.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add 1 tbsp of oil or butter, followed by chopped onions. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
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Once the beef is cooked and excess grease is drained (if needed), add the green beans to the skillet.
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Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk or cream, mixing until smooth.
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Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes to thicken and blend the flavors.
Step 4: Optional Toppings and Finishing Touches
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If you’d like, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes to melt.
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For extra texture, top with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
