Smothered Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

Smothered green beans are a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Tender green beans are sautéed with garlic and then simmered in a creamy sauce, making them irresistibly delicious and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the green beans under cold water, trim the ends, and cut them into manageable lengths.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the prepared green beans to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with chicken broth until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the skillet.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes until the green beans are tender.
6. Step 6: Serve warm, drizzled with any remaining sauce from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving for a cheesy twist.

Storage

Store leftover smothered green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time since frozen green beans are already partially cooked. Add them to the skillet and cook until heated through and tender.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep the creamy texture without dairy.

Smothered Green Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

Deliciously creamy and tender smothered green beans cooked in a rich garlic butter and cream cheese sauce, perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into manageable lengths

Dairy & Broth

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Seasoning

• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the green beans: Rinse the green beans under cold water, trim off the ends, and cut them into manageable lengths to ensure even cooking.
2. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the green beans: Add the prepared green beans to the skillet and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness.
4. Make the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with low-sodium chicken broth, mixing until smooth and well blended. Gradually stir this creamy mixture into the skillet with the green beans.
5. Simmer the dish: Season the beans and sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the smothered green beans warm, drizzled with any remaining sauce from the skillet for maximum flavor.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, consider using garlic butter instead of plain butter.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Adjust the seasoning at the end by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, if desired.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: smothered green beans, creamy green beans, garlic green beans, side dish, easy vegetable recipe