Garlic Green Beans (Frozen Green Bean Recipe)
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Easy garlic green beans made from frozen green beans with beef bouillon, olive oil, and simple seasonings. A fast, flavorful side dish.
These garlic green beans are my go to side dish when I need something quick, nutritious, and full of flavor. Starting with frozen green beans means zero prep, and the mix of garlic, olive oil, and a little beef bouillon gives them the best savory finish.
What makes this recipe so fun is how the bouillon melts into the beans and creates a glossy, garlicky coating. It’s a tiny shortcut that adds big flavor without extra work. I used to make it after making steak, so it really mimics that meaty flavor!
Quick Bites About This Recipe
Skill Level: Easy, perfect for beginners.
Swaps: Use some fresh beef broth or beef drippings.
Make Ahead: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to refresh the glaze.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze leftovers up to 2 months.
Variations & Substitutions: Add red pepper flakes for heat or finish with lemon for brightness.
Garlic Green Beans (Frozen Green Bean Recipe) Ingredients
Frozen string beans: A 16 ounce bag works perfectly and goes straight from freezer to skillet.
Olive oil: Helps the beans sizzle and carries all that garlic flavor. You can also use some butter!
Granulated garlic: Gives a steady garlic flavor that won’t burn like fresh garlic sometimes can.
Salt: Just enough to balance the bouillon.
Pepper: Adds a light, cozy bite.
Better Than Bouillon beef base: Melts into the beans and gives them deep savory flavor.
Water: Helps steam the beans and dissolve the bouillon into a flavorful coating.
How to Make Garlic Green Beans (Frozen Green Bean Recipe)
Heat your skillet over medium heat until hot. Starting with a warm pan helps everything cook evenly.
Add the olive oil and let it warm for a few seconds so it spreads easily.
Pour in the frozen green beans. They’ll sizzle as the ice hits the pan and start to soften.
Sprinkle on the granulated garlic, salt, and pepper. Give everything a toss so the seasonings cling to the beans.
Add the Better Than Bouillon and pour in the 1/4 cup of water. The steam will help the bouillon melt and coat the beans.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the water mostly evaporates and the beans are tender and warm throughout.
Storing and Reheating (If There’s Any Leftovers!)
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Store up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short bursts.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Don’t thaw the beans first or they’ll get mushy.
- Taste before adding more salt since bouillon can be salty.
- Add a pat of butter at the end for an extra rich finish.
- Want color on your green beans? Make sure your pan is hot before adding the beans.
Garlic Green Beans (Frozen Green Bean Recipe)
Ingredients
- 16 ounce string beans frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon beef base
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the olive oil and let it warm for about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Pour in the frozen green beans and spread them out so they cook in an even layer. Let them sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the granulated garlic, salt, and pepper over the beans. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add the Better Than Bouillon and pour in the water. Stir to dissolve the bouillon and help it spread across the beans.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates and the beans turn bright green and tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Cook longer if you prefer softer beans.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Video
Notes
- Substitutions: Fresh garlic can be used, but add it after the beans to avoid burning. You can also use fresh dripping from steak or even some homemade beef broth.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave in short bursts until hot.