Lebanese Beef and Green Beans is a very simple recipe that packs a whole lot of flavor. Ground beef and onions are slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Fresh green beans are added and allowed to simmer for a few minutes before serving.
Served with Garlic Smashed Potatoes, this meal was a simple and delicious way to get dinner on the table with a minimum of fuss.
My sister Jenny made Lebanese Beef and Green Beans for us for the first time several years ago, while spending a weekend up at the cabin with our families.
Originally, one of her Aunt A’s family recipes, it has become a favorite for both her family and my own over the years. My nieces are so lucky to have Aunt A in their life, she is full of love and support and never drops in without a fun treat or surprise. She’s the kind of aunt that everyone should be so lucky to have in their life.
This is a super easy recipe, the secret is in the simmering and that splash of wine. Like many dinners that I love, the hands-on time is minimal. If you’re looking for more easy dinner recipes, check out this {20-Minute} Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet, my kid’s favorite Cheater Korean Beef, and these Pan Fried Italian Chicken Thighs.
Caprese Skillet Chicken is a skillet meal that’s ready almost as fast as the cheese can melt. This One Pot Sausage Rice and Peas Dinner is my middle son’s favorite meal to cook all by himself.
Crunchy Honey Chicken is a huge favorite with my youngest son and he frequently asks for that “sweet crunchy chicken that I love.” Whatever you’re craving, I bet there’s an EASY dinner recipe here to fit it.
Lebanese Beef and Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion chopped small, about 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound green beans ends trimmed and cut into bite size pieces
- 2 14- ounce cans tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons red wine
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adjust to taste
- Garlic Smashed Potatoes or cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the butter and the oil. Add the onions and cook slowly until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and crumble as it cooks. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire, red wine, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a low simmer.
- Cover with lid and simmer for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour. About ten minutes before serving, add the green beans, stir and cover with lid once more. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice. Enjoy!
{originally published 2/17/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 4/11/17}
Deb Moretti says
I add 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp allspice. Nice, middle eastern flavor. I have made this so many times, I am also making it with cubed eggplant. We love it!
Mary Younkin says
That sounds delicious, Deb.
Tim in Seattle says
Very tasty
Probably would be even better with the garlic mashed potatoes but I only had rice
Also super easy at the end of a long workday
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Tim.
Lisa Casas says
I made this like the recipe said and it was delicious. Served with salad was a big hit. Will be a great go to . Thank you
Lisa Casas
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you liked it, Lisa!
Candy says
Nice easy dinner, however I added some of those great Mediterranean spices and it took it up a notch. My Lebanese son-in-law loved it and with pita bread and Lebanese salad it was a completed dinner.
Thanks
Mary Younkin says
Thank you for commenting, Candy.
Glenda D Purser says
My sauce seemed awfully runny compared to the picture… Everything was measured properly? I haven’t added the green beans yet as this will probably be tomorrow’s meal… I assumed you mean fresh green beans and not canned? What did I do wrong?
The Sauce is really good… Just wish it wasn’t so runny…
Mary Younkin says
The sauce isn’t especially thick, Glenda. (It’s similar to a spaghetti sauce in texture.) Did the meat release a good bit of grease? You might try simmering it a bit to reduce it, if doesn’t thicken as it rests.