Smothered Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

Smothered green beans are a creamy, garlicky side dish that’s quick to prepare and full of comforting flavor. Perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners, this recipe transforms simple green beans into a rich, satisfying treat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black 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 when sautéing the garlic.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Try adding chopped cooked bacon or toasted almonds for texture.
• Use a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftover smothered green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the 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 instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Thaw them first and reduce sautéing time since they are pre-cooked, then proceed with the recipe as instructed.

Is this dish suitable for a low-sodium diet?

You can control the sodium by using low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken broth and limiting added salt. Always taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Smothered Green Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 109 reviews

This Smothered Green Beans recipe is a creamy, flavorful side dish that combines fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and butter, then simmered in a rich cream cheese and chicken broth sauce. Perfectly tender and lightly seasoned, it’s an ideal accompaniment for any meal, ready in just 25 minutes and serves four.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 lb fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed

Dairy

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened

Other

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the green beans: Rinse the green beans thoroughly under cold water to clean them. Trim the ends off each bean and cut into manageable lengths to ensure even cooking.
2. Sauté garlic in butter: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and melt it completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Cook the green beans: Add the prepared green beans to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans start to soften but retain some crunch.
4. Make the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the low-sodium chicken broth. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Then gradually pour this mixture into the skillet with the green beans, stirring gently to coat all the beans evenly.
5. Simmer and season: Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the green beans simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes or until tender and fully cooked through.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the smothered green beans warm, drizzled with any remaining sauce from the skillet for extra creaminess and flavor.

Notes

• Fresh green beans can be substituted with frozen green beans if fresh are unavailable; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• To make it dairy-free, replace butter and cream cheese with suitable plant-based alternatives.
• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing with the broth, preventing lumps.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference, but low-sodium broth helps control overall salt content.

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