Name: Best Potatoes and Green Beans in Under 40 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound potatoes, cubed; 1 pound green beans, trimmed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Okay, listen up, because sometimes the best meals are the simplest! And trust me, you can’t go wrong with classic Potatoes and Green Beans. It’s seriously the ultimate side dish – quick, easy, and packed with flavor. I’m talking about that kind of comfort food that just makes you feel good, you know?

Growing up, my mom made this all the time. It was her go-to when she needed something healthy-ish (we always had a little butter, shhh!) to go with whatever main course she whipped up. I remember sneaking extra green beans when she wasn’t looking! And honestly, it’s still one of my favorites. It’s just so versatile and always a crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters. I’ve tweaked it a bit over the years, but the basic idea is still the same: fresh ingredients, simple cooking, and tons of flavor. It’s a win-win!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Potatoes and Green Beans

Seriously, who has time to spend hours on a side dish? Not me! That's why you’ll love this recipe. It’s ready in under 40 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something on the table *fast*. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup – maximum flavor!

Flavorful Potatoes and Green Beans

Don’t let the simplicity fool you – this dish is bursting with savory goodness. The olive oil, garlic, and perfectly cooked veggies… mmm! And the best part? You can totally customize it! Throw in your favorite herbs and spices for a dish that’s all your own.

Healthy Potatoes and Green Beans

Okay, so it’s not a salad, but it *is* packed with nutrients! Potatoes and green beans are both naturally vegan and full of vitamins. Plus, you’re skipping all the processed stuff. It’s a side dish you can feel good about serving your family – and yourself!

Ingredients for Potatoes and Green Beans

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, just good ol’ fresh veggies and a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to make some seriously delicious potatoes and green beans:

Potatoes and Green Beans Ingredient Notes

Potatoes

Grab about a pound of potatoes, cubed. I usually go for Yukon Golds because they get so creamy, but Red Potatoes work great too! Just make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly, okay?

Green Beans

You’ll need a pound of green beans, trimmed. Fresh is always best if you can get ’em, but frozen works in a pinch! Just thaw them out a bit before you start cooking, or they’ll be kinda watery. And definitely trim those ends – nobody likes a stringy green bean!

Olive Oil

About 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Extra virgin is my go-to for that extra flavor, but regular olive oil is totally fine too. You just need something to sauté those aromatics!

Onion

One medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion, whatever you’ve got on hand! Just make sure it’s chopped pretty small so it cooks down nicely.

Garlic

Two cloves of garlic, minced. And listen, don’t be shy with the garlic! It adds so much flavor. If you’re a garlic lover like me, throw in an extra clove or two – I won’t tell!

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper, to taste. I mean, come on, every good recipe needs a little salt and pepper, right? I like to use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor, but use whatever you’ve got!

How to Make Potatoes and Green Beans: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes and Green Beans

First things first, let’s get those veggies ready! Throw your cubed potatoes into a pot of boiling, salted water. You’ll want to cook them until they’re fork-tender – usually around 10-15 minutes. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get mushy! Nobody wants mushy potatoes!

While the potatoes are doing their thing, get your green beans going. You can either steam them (my preference – keeps ’em nice and crisp!) or boil them in a separate pot. Steaming usually takes about 5-7 minutes, boiling around 8-10. You want them tender-crisp, meaning they’re cooked through but still have a little bite. They should be bright green, not army green, okay?

Sautéing Aromatics for Potatoes and Green Beans

Okay, now for the good stuff! Grab a large skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and sauté it until it’s softened and translucent – about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!

Once the onion is ready, toss in your minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, until it’s fragrant. Wow, that smells amazing, right? Be careful not to burn the garlic, it can get bitter real quick! Burnt garlic is no bueno!

Combining Potatoes and Green Beans and Seasoning

Alright, drain those potatoes and green beans like a shot! Now, add them to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Give everything a good toss to coat it in that delicious olive oil and garlic goodness.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! I usually start with about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, but you can adjust it to your liking. Cook for another 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the potatoes are starting to get a little golden brown. And there you have it – perfect potatoes and green beans!

Tips for Perfect Potatoes and Green Beans

Herb and Spice Variations for Potatoes and Green Beans

Want to kick things up a notch? Oh, you know I do! Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the skillet while you’re cooking the potatoes and green beans. Trust me, it makes a huge difference! A pinch of red pepper flakes is also a great way to add a little heat. For more information on herbs and spices, check out SpiceAdvice.com.

Potato Variety in Potatoes and Green Beans

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of potatoes! Yukon Golds are my go-to, but Red Potatoes, or even baby potatoes cut in half, work great too. Each type has its own unique flavor and texture, so have fun and find your favorite!

Seasoning Adjustment in Potatoes and Green Beans

Listen, taste as you go! Seriously. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Need more salt? Add it! Want more pepper? Go for it! It’s your dish, so make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Potatoes and Green Beans

Okay, so you’ve got your amazing potatoes and green beans ready to go! Now what? Well, this dish goes with practically *anything*. Seriously! Think grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even a simple veggie burger. Or, heck, just eat ’em straight out of the pan – I won’t judge!

Storing Leftover Potatoes and Green Beans

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop ’em in an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in a skillet or microwave ’em until they’re nice and warm. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Potatoes and Green Beans

Can I use frozen green beans for Potatoes and Green Beans?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a lifesaver, right? Just remember that they might release a bit more water than fresh ones, so you might need to cook them a little longer to evaporate the extra moisture. No biggie! Just keep an eye on ’em.

How can I make Potatoes and Green Beans spicier?

Ooh, good question! If you’re craving a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet while you’re sautéing the garlic. Or, for a more complex flavor, a dash of smoked paprika works wonders! You could even add a diced jalapeño if you’re feeling brave!

Can I add other vegetables to Potatoes and Green Beans?

Heck yeah! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative. Carrots, bell peppers, or even some sliced mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just toss ’em in the skillet with the onions and garlic and cook ’em until they’re tender. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Potatoes and Green Beans

Okay, so you’re curious about the nutrition info for these amazing potatoes and green beans? Awesome! Just a heads up: the numbers can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, potato type, etc.). So, the info below is just a general estimate, okay? Don’t come yellin’ at me if your version is slightly different!

Rate This Potatoes and Green Beans Recipe

So, what do you think? Did you love this super simple potatoes and green beans recipe as much as I do? Leave a comment below and let me know! And don’t forget to give it a star rating – your feedback helps other home cooks find the best recipes!