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}
Magnolia Verandah says
What colours…. this looks lovely. What is a marinara sauce over there.. fish? Ground beef makes some of the best dinners.
Nancy McCullough says
Marinara sauce can also be called spaghetti sauce or pasta sauce.
Kalyn Denny says
Such a simple idea and it sounds delicious!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Perfect family dish!
Lita says
I've always thought marinara sauce would be good over mashed potatoes. Now I have recipe to prove it! I love potatoes. It would be awesome if you linked this recipe to What'd You Do This Weekend.
Have a great week,
Linda @ http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com
Jennifer Cornejo says
This recipe is great! I served mine over mashed potatoes too. Delicious and simple. These are the best recipes. I'll be keeping this recipe on hand.
Jennifer Cornejo says
This recipe is great! I served mine over mashed potatoes too. Delicious and simple. These are the best recipes. I'll be keeping this recipe on hand.
Tracy says
Nice! Replaced red wine with white as that’s what already had open, and changed beans to broccolini. Made mash rustic/chunky and it was all in all a very simple tasty and super filling dinner ☺ will freeze leftover meat for quick replay…Thanks for the idea
Connie says
Instructions say to stir in marinara, but that isn’t listed in the ingredients. Is that what the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine makes?
Mary says
That was my mistake, Connie. I’ve been using tomato sauce instead of the original marinara sauce for years and I finally updated it. I hope you like this recipe as much as we do!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I love Lebanese flavors but haven’t made many dishes over the years. I will have to give this a try! Hope you and your family have a blessed Easter Mary!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Oh my! I cannot wait to try this! My Hubby will love the flavors!
Paula Niquet says
How many people does this recipe serve?
Marianne says
So good made tonight!
Anamika says
Amazing, This is a Perfect family dish! Thanks to share your recipe.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the recipe, Anamika!
Karen says
I made something very similar to this recipe when I was married to a Turkish man. We served over rice and topped it off with plain yogurt. The yogurt made a wonderful impact on this dish. I hope you will try it!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the dish, Karen!
Brian says
The second time I cooked this I added cinnamon to make it have a more middle eastern taste. It was great both ways but the cinnamon really hit the spot. I nervously served it to some Lebanese friends and they were sure I had been taught by a traditional Lebanese homemaker.
Mary Younkin says
Cinnamon is very traditional in Lebanese food. That’s a great addition. I’m so glad that you (and your friends!) enjoyed the recipe, Brian!
Nelda says
Super good. Very easy to make. Really tasty with rice.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you love the recipe, Nelda.
timothy curley says
It was very simple to make and quite tasty. I used San Marzono tomatoes and then added some splenda to just tame the acidity a little. Served over cauliflower rice and it was a great low-carb dinner.
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you liked it, Timothy.
Neeta says
This has been a family fave for a few years now! Making it again after I had nearly forgotten about it. Thanks Mary!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the recipe, Neeta!