Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans

When you need a wholesome, satisfying dinner that doesn’t take forever to make, this Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans is one of those ground beef recipes low carb winners that delivers on flavor, nutrition, and speed. Fresh green beans are simmered with seasoned ground beef in a savory marinara sauce, creating a one-pan meal that’s as delicious as it is simple.

This skillet dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone looking for a lighter take on comfort food. It’s packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and bursting with Italian flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans

This Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans recipe is one of those ground beef recipes for dinner easy fast options that checks every box. Here’s why it’s about to become a weeknight staple:

• Lightning Fast: This entire skillet meal comes together in under 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table quickly.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fresh green vegetables, this dish is naturally nutritious and satisfying without any guilt.
• Restaurant-Worthy Flavor: Italian seasonings, fresh garlic, and marinara sauce transform simple ingredients into something that tastes absolutely gourmet.
• Minimal Cleanup: Just one skillet means less time doing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) works best for a lighter dish without excess grease.
• Green Beans: Fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces, provide the perfect tender-crisp texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara or canned crushed tomatoes seasoned with Italian herbs.
• Garlic & Onion: Fresh aromatics that build the savory, flavorful base of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme brings classic Italian flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, umami finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but perfect for adding a little heat.

How to Make Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans

Follow these easy steps for a perfect Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans skillet:

1. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Beans and Garlic: Stir in the fresh green beans and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the beans brighten in color.
3. Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a splash of water or beef broth (about ¼ cup). Stir everything together, then cover the skillet.
4. Steam Until Tender: Let the mixture simmer covered for 8-10 minutes until the green beans are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans

Use these expert tips to ensure your Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans turns out perfectly:

• Fresh Beans Are Best: Fresh green beans have a much better texture than frozen or canned for this recipe. They stay crisp and vibrant instead of mushy.
• Don’t Overcook: You want the beans to maintain a slight snap and bright green color. Overcooked beans become dull and soft, which isn’t as appealing.
• Season Generously: Taste the dish at the end and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Green beans can absorb a lot of seasoning.
• Quality Marinara Matters: A good-quality marinara sauce makes all the difference. Look for one with simple ingredients and no added sugar if you’re watching carbs.
• Cut Beans Uniformly: Trim and cut your green beans into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans Variations

Make this Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans your own with these delicious variations:

• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or substitute half the ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for extra kick.
• Cheesy Delight: Melt fresh mozzarella cheese on top right before serving for a gooey, indulgent finish.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end for a luxurious rosé-style sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the green beans for extra nutrition.
• Ground Turkey Swap: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef for an even lighter option.

What to Serve with Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans

Round out your meal with these perfect sides for Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans:

• Cauliflower Rice: Perfect for keeping the meal keto-friendly and low-carb while adding extra volume.
• Pasta or Quinoa: If you’re not watching carbs, serve over your favorite pasta or fluffy quinoa.
• Garlic Toast: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.
• Zucchini Noodles: Another low-carb option that pairs wonderfully with the Italian flavors.

Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans in this Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans?
Yes, frozen green beans work in a pinch! Since they’re already blanched, they’ll cook faster. For ground beef recipes healthy options, just reduce the cooking time by 3-4 minutes and add them directly to the skillet without thawing.

Is this Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully without getting soggy or losing its texture. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean swap that works perfectly in this recipe. You might want to add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan since turkey is leaner and can stick more easily.

Final Thoughts on Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans

This Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans skillet is a simple, healthy win that proves you don’t need complicated recipes to eat well. It’s ground beef recipes keto approved, naturally low-carb, and full of the kind of comfort food flavor that makes everyone at the table happy. The combination of tender-crisp green beans, savory seasoned beef, and rich marinara sauce is pure weeknight magic.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday night, or just craving something wholesome and delicious, this recipe delivers every single time. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying!

Try this Italian Ground Beef and Green Beans tonight and let us know what you think! Pin it for your next quick and healthy dinner idea.