There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sizzle of tender steak meeting rich, garlicky butter in a hot skillet—especially when vibrant green beans join the party to soak up all those savory flavors. After a long day, whipping up this Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet feels like giving yourself the perfect dinner reward: quick, easy, and bursting with mouthwatering taste. What I love most is how this one-pan wonder balances hearty protein with crisp veggies, making it a crowd-pleaser whether it’s a simple weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for friends. Stick around—I promise this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your cooking repertoire!
Why love Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet?
Simplicity makes dinner a breeze with just one pan to clean. Rich, savory garlic butter infuses every bite of steak and green beans. Balanced nutrition combines hearty protein and crisp veggies. Quick cooking means flavorful meals in under 30 minutes. Versatility lets you easily customize sides or add your favorite herbs. Perfect for sharing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time!
Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet Ingredients
For the Steak & Vegetables
- Ribeye or Sirloin Steak – choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender results.
- Fresh Green Beans – trim ends for crisp, vibrant green beans that balance the richness.
- Garlic Cloves – finely minced to infuse that signature garlicky aroma throughout the dish.
- Unsalted Butter – melts into a luscious sauce that coats both steak and veggies perfectly.
- Olive Oil – used to sear the steak, locking in flavor and creating a delicious crust.
- Salt & Pepper – simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the steak and green beans.
For Garnish & Extras
- Fresh Parsley – chopped for a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color.
- Red Pepper Flakes – optional, adds a subtle kick for those who love a hint of heat.
- Lemon Wedges – squeeze over just before serving to brighten up the rich garlic butter.
Tip: This Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet shines when using fresh, high-quality ingredients—the secret to its irresistible flavor!
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet
For the Steak & Vegetables:
- Prep: Pat steak dry, season generously with salt and pepper. Trim green beans and pat them dry. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.
- Sear: Place steak in hot skillet, cooking 3–4 minutes per side until golden-brown crust forms. Remove steak to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest while you cook the veggies.
- Saute: Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in green beans, cooking 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender and evenly coated in garlic butter.
- Combine: Nestle steak back into skillet, spoon pan sauce over it, and cook 1–2 minutes more for perfect medium-rare (internal temp 130°F). Remove skillet from heat to finish.
For Rest & Serve:
- Rest: Transfer steak to a cutting board, tent loosely, and let rest 5 minutes to redistribute juices for the juiciest slices.
- Slice & Serve: Thinly slice steak against the grain, arrange with green beans on plates, then drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from skillet on top.
Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for a colorful, flavor-packed finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet
Fridge: Store any leftover Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness and flavor retention.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter to revive the flavors.
Refrigeration Tips: Make sure to separate steak and green beans if they are saucy to prevent sogginess and allow easier reheating later.
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet
- Choose the Right Steak: Opt for ribeye or sirloin with good marbling to ensure tenderness and rich flavor in your Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet.
- Dry Your Steak Well: Patting your steak dry before seasoning helps achieve that perfect sear and caramelized crust without steaming.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook steak and green beans in batches if needed to maintain high heat and get a beautiful sear and crisp-tender veggies.
- Rest the Steak Properly: Resting your steak after cooking locks in juices, giving you tender, flavorful slices every time.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic melts into the butter, elevating the dish with that irresistible aroma—avoid pre-minced garlic for best results.
- Adjust Heat for Green Beans: Keep the heat medium to medium-low when cooking green beans to avoid burning the garlic butter while still getting that perfect crisp-tender texture.
Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet Variations
Feel free to customize this dish by adding your personal touch and exploring exciting flavor profiles!
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Mushroom Medley: Add sliced mushrooms during the sauté process for earthy depth and even more umami. A perfect combination with garlic butter!
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the steak for hearty portobello mushrooms or a plant-based protein like tempeh for a delicious, meat-free version.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking for an aromatic twist that elevates the dish to gourmet heights.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes to the butter for those who crave a fiery flavor boost.
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Citrus Zing: Incorporate zest from an orange or lemon before serving to brighten the rich flavors and add a refreshing note.
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Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts on top before serving for an added crunch and gorgeous presentation that complements the dish beautifully.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a luscious garlic cream sauce that envelops both the steak and green beans.
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Asian Flair: Drizzle with soy sauce or a splash of sesame oil before serving to bring an unexpected, savory twist that harmonizes surprisingly well!
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet?
Enhance your dinner experience with side dishes and drinks that complement the savory flavors of this delicious skillet meal.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes soaks up the garlicky butter, adding richness to every bite.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for savoring those irresistible sauce drippings. It’s a simple yet comforting addition.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy outer leaves and tender centers create a delightful contrast, while the slight bitterness balances the richness of the steak.
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Simple Arugula Salad: A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery kick and lightness, making the meal feel well-rounded.
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Red Wine: A glass of velvety red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot enhances the robust flavors of the steak, making each mouthful taste divine.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a rich chocolate mousse offers a delightful finish to the meal, contrasting beautifully with the savory main course.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky grilled corn adds a burst of sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the savory garlic butter.
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Herbed Quinoa: Nutty, fluffy quinoa tossed with fresh herbs is an excellent choice that introduces a healthy grain option, complementing the dish’s overall balance.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillets are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season the steak and trim the green beans up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to save time on busy weeknights. Additionally, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture by mincing the garlic and combining it with the butter to keep flavors ready — just refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply sear the steak and sauté the green beans as usual; you’ll enjoy the same mouthwatering results with no hassle! Remember to let the steak rest after cooking to ensure juicy, tender slices.
Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best steak for the Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet?
I recommend selecting a well-marbled ribeye or sirloin—these cuts have the perfect balance of fat and tenderness that makes the skillet juicy and flavorful. Look for steak with a bright red color and avoid any with dark spots all over, which can indicate aging past freshness.
Can I use canned or frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh green beans really shine here for their crisp texture and vibrant flavor. If you must use frozen, thaw them fully and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the garlic butter sauce. Canned beans aren’t ideal as they tend to be mushy and won’t hold up well in this skillet dish.
How should I store leftovers to keep the Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet tasting fresh?
Absolutely store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. To keep flavors distinct, store the steak and green beans separately if possible, especially if the green beans are very saucy. This prevents sogginess and helps reheat evenly.
Can I freeze the Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet? If so, what’s the best method?
Very! To freeze, first let your cooked steak and green beans cool completely. Then, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place these wrapped portions into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat in a skillet on low, adding a splash of butter to refresh the flavors and moisture.
What if my steak turns out tough or overcooked? How can I fix or avoid this?
This happens if the steak is cooked too long or at too low heat. Next time, ensure your pan is hot before searing and keep steak thickness in mind—thicker meat needs a bit more time but lower heat to finish cooking. If steak is already tough, slice it thinly against the grain and serve with extra buttery garlic sauce to help add moisture and make each bite more tender.
Is this Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet safe for pets or people with allergies?
While this dish is safe for most humans, it’s important to avoid feeding it to pets due to the garlic and butter, which can be harmful to dogs and cats. For allergy-conscious eaters, double-check ingredient labels on butter and seasonings for dairy or other allergens, and feel free to swap ingredients like using ghee if dairy is a concern.
Easy Garlic Butter Steak & Green Bean Skillet for Perfect Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat steak dry, season generously with salt and pepper. Trim green beans and pat them dry. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.
- Place steak in hot skillet, cooking 3–4 minutes per side until golden-brown crust forms. Remove steak to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in green beans, cooking 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Nestle steak back into skillet, spoon pan sauce over it, and cook 1–2 minutes more for perfect medium-rare.
- Transfer steak to a cutting board, tent loosely, and let rest 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Thinly slice steak against the grain, arrange with green beans on plates, then drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce.
