These Easy Cast Iron Skillet Green Beans are crisp-tender, flavorful, and quick to make. Cooking them in a cast iron skillet gives a natural sear and enhances their natural sweetness for a perfect side dish.
If you’ve been looking for the easiest way to cook green beans with maximum flavor, a cast iron skillet is your new best friend.
Sautéing or pan-roasting green beans in a cast iron skillet locks in their natural sweetness while giving them a slight char for that restaurant-quality taste.
Why Use a Cast Iron Skillet for Green Beans?
Cooking green beans in a cast iron skillet offers several advantages:
- Even heat distribution: Your green beans cook uniformly without hot spots.
- Natural sear: The skillet gives a light, caramelized char that enhances flavor.
- Durability: Cast iron holds heat well and can move from stovetop to oven easily.
Whether you’re making quick weeknight dinners or prepping sides for a holiday meal, green beans in a cast iron skillet are a simple, flavorful solution.
Ingredients for Sautéed Green Beans in a Cast Iron Skillet
- Fresh green beans: Trimmed and ready for cooking.
- Olive oil or butter, for sautéing green beans
- Garlic, minced for fragrant and savory flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon juice, crushed red pepper, or toasted almonds
How to Cook Green Beans in a Cast Iron Skillet
Step 1: Place your cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add a touch of olive oil or butter to coat the bottom.
Step 2: Add fresh green beans in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Cook for 6–8 minutes until beans are tender but still crisp. Stir in garlic during the last 1–2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
Step 4: For an extra pop of flavor, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice for a light meal.
Tips for Cooking Green Beans in a Cast Iron Skillet
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the beans while still getting a light sear.
- For deeper flavor, roast the skillet in the oven at 400°F for 5–7 minutes after sautéing.
Storing and Reheating
- Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans? Yes! Thaw them first or cook a bit longer to ensure they’re heated through.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely. Sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms pair well with green beans.
Do I need to blanch green beans before cooking in a cast iron skillet? Nope! Sautéing directly in a cast iron skillet works perfectly for tender-crisp beans.
More Easy Cast Iron Recipes
Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes
Bojangles Fried Chicken Recipe {Copycat}
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Easy Cast Iron Skillet Green Beans
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Let it melt and heat until shimmering.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the trimmed green beans and toss to coat in the garlic and oil/butter. Cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp and slightly browned.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss again to evenly distribute seasoning.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Pan, or Skillet
- Tongs
Nutrition
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