Simple recipes are the best recipes. So often I find myself caught in a food rut where I can’t even think of a new, creative recipe. Mind blank. And then we just end up eating taco salad or acorn squash chili every week. Nothing wrong with that, but come on, I have a food blog, coming up with new recipes is what I do! It shouldn’t be a struggle! So taking it back to simple this week because my mind won’t do creative. And even though these Garlic Green Beans are so simple to make, they will still impress your taste buds. Promise (unless you hate garlic, then you’re SOL, ha)!
I make sugar snap peas in a very similar manner to these garlic green beans. Actually, it’s exactly the same way. Mince a ton of garlic, way more that you think you need, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet, sauté the garlic for a few minutes, and then add the green beans.
Mincing the garlic is by far the most difficult part of this recipe. Or a garlic press works great too. And I suppose you could by pre-minced garlic. I just don’t think the flavor is as good with the pre-minced garlic. So really, for those who don’t absolutely love garlic, the pre-minced stuff might be a better option. And, bonus, it will save you time.
I like to cook the garlic until it just slightly starts to brown and caramelize. The texture almost gets a little chewy. MMMmmm, so good! The green beans don’t take very long to cook, I’d say 5-10 minutes depending on how crispy you like them.
Pair these garlic green beans with any meat. We had them with steak but chicken, fish, or pork would all work well. Another bonus with this recipe; it’s simple and it goes with anything and everything. I even ate the leftovers with eggs! Seriously, eggs and garlic green beans are an amazing combo! Let me know what you think!

- 12 oz of green beans about 3-4 cups
- Olive oil
- 5-10 cloves of garlic minced (I used 10 because I love garlic)
- Salt
- Pepper
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Heat about 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium-large skillet over medium heat. Tilt skillet so that olive oil coats the pan.
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Once oil is hot, give it about 1-2 minutes, add minced garlic.
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Let garlic cook for 2-3 minutes and then add the green beans to the skillet.
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Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Let green beans sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Green beans are done when they start to get soft. Taste test a few as they are cooking to see how well done you like them.
Love this recipe! We use it quite often. I double the carrots and celery and add minced onion flakes to it and use Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice. After a couple hours check it to see if it needs a little bit more water added.