Sauteed Green Beans

Sauteed green beans are a quick and easy stovetop side that is packed with flavor and comes together in minutes!

These sautéed green beans are similar to our Easy Roasted Green Beans and just as flavorful as our Green Bean Bundles. They are a delectable side for any family dinner!

Fresh + Flavorful Side!

It’s important to get your servings of veggies in each meal, but that is not always easy with kids! Sure they have certain veggies they will eat, almost without complaint, but it’s hard to introduce new veggies.

Green beans are a veggie my kids will usually eat without whining. It’s a go-to side. Although, I have to admit that it’s most often canned green beans that they gobble up. I know.

This recipe for sautéed green beans barely takes more time than opening up a can and it is way more flavorful!!! It also helps to retain all of those important vitamins. Your kids will love this fresh version. Serve it up with any of your favorite main dishes.

How to Sauté Green Beans

This sautéed green beans recipe uses fresh green beans for a tasty side that is bright and flavorful!

PREP. Trim ends off of green beans, if desired.

COOK. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.

SEASON. Add green beans, garlic salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7-9 minutes, or until tender.

Recipe Tips

Prep green beans for the perfect sautéed garlic green beans or change up the flavor profile.

Green beans. You can use any string green bean such as haricot vert, wax beans, or traditional green beans. The green beans should be a bright green color all over without any soft or brown spots. They should be firm and snap crisply when you bend them in half. Aside from trimming the tips, I keep them whole because they look much prettier. 

Prep the green beans. No need to blanch the green beans before you sauté them. Just wash them with cold water and pat them dry before trimming the ends using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. 

Variations. Change up the flavor profile with any of these suggestions:

• Cut them into 1-inch bite-size pieces. Smaller green beans will need less cooking time.
• If you wish to add butter, save it until the last 1-2 minutes of the cooking time.
• For a bit of a kick sprinkle on red pepper flakes, paprika, or chili powder. 
• Add extra flavor with some onion powder, thyme, dijon mustard, or parmesan cheese.
• Use a spritz of lemon juice or lemon zest for a bright flavor.
• Toss in some cooked crumbles of bacon bits or toasted pine nuts.

Storing Suggestions

Prep ahead of time. For the best texture, I recommend sautéing these green beans right before serving, but you can wash and trim the green beans ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.

STORE. Keep leftover sautéed fresh green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. They are best when reheated in a pan on the stovetop, or in the oven, but can be reheated in the microwave as well.

Recipe FAQ

For More Flavorful Side Dishes, Try:

• Oven Roasted Vegetables
• Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• Cornbread Stuffing