There’s something wonderfully comforting about coming home to the rich aroma of Lebanese Beef and Green Beans bubbling away on the stovetop. This dish, with its tender beef and vivid green beans simmered in a lightly seasoned tomato sauce, strikes the perfect balance between ease and heartiness, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. Imagine slicing a fragrant hunk of beef, its juices mingling with a vibrant sauce that’s just begging to be soaked up by fluffy rice on your plate.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility; whether you’re sticking to beef or experimenting with lamb, each bite delivers warmth and satisfaction. It’s a dish that transforms ordinary days into moments of joy, reminding us how powerful homemade meals can be in bringing loved ones together. Ready to dive into the kitchen? Let’s explore how to create this healthy, dairy-free comfort food that’s sure to impress without keeping you chained to the stove!
Why is Lebanese Beef and Green Beans remarkable?
Comforting Simplicity: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Rich, Hearty Flavor: The combination of tender beef and fresh green beans in a slightly sweet tomato sauce creates an irresistible dish.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap beef for lamb or throw in some potatoes, adapting it to your taste preferences.
Quick and Easy: With a cooking time of just over an hour, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This dish is bound to impress family and friends, turning everyday dinners into extraordinary culinary moments that everyone will remember.
Lebanese Beef and Green Beans Ingredients
• Dive into the delicious components that make up this vibrant dish!
For the Meat
- Beef Shoulder Roast (1 lb) – This cut offers rich flavor and tenderness; feel free to substitute with chuck or brisket for variety!
For the Sauce
- Tomato Paste (2.5 tbsp) – Adds a depth of sweetness; if you don’t have it, canned diced tomatoes work well!
- Water – Creates the essential simmering base for your Lebanese Beef and Green Beans.
For the Aromatics
- Onion (1 medium, diced, optional) – Enhances the savory flavor; skip if you want a simpler base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, sliced, optional) – Provides aromatic richness; recommended for added flavor depth.
For the Veggies
- Green Beans (1 lb) – The star vegetable, bringing freshness and crunch; frozen beans are a great alternative when fresh aren’t available.
For Savory Depth
- Chicken Bouillon Powder – Infuses the dish with extra flavor; tailor to your taste, or use chicken stock as a lovely alternative.
How to Make Lebanese Beef and Green Beans
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Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix cubed beef and water, ensuring the meat is fully submerged. Stir in the tomato paste along with any optional garlic or diced onion for added flavor.
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Bring to a Boil: Heat the mixture on high until it reaches a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the beef to cook for 30 to 60 minutes, until the meat is tender and easily breaks apart.
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Add Green Beans: After the beef is tender, add the fresh green beans along with chicken bouillon powder to taste. Continue the simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the green beans are perfectly tender but still vibrant in color.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Lebanese Beef and Green Beans Variations
Feel free to mix things up and customize this delightful dish to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Lamb Swap: Use lamb instead of beef for a richer flavor that’s wonderfully savory.
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Potato Addition: Throw in quartered potatoes during cooking for a heartier, comforting meal that’s even more filling. The potatoes soak up the delicious sauce beautifully!
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Vegetarian Twist: Replace the beef with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth for a satisfying vegetarian option.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa for a subtle heat that elevates the dish without overpowering it.
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Extra Veggies: Mix in sliced bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrients. They’ll bring a delightful crunch and sweetness to every bite.
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Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavors with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Stir them in just before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch.
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Coconut Cream: For a unique twist, stir in a splash of coconut cream towards the end of cooking, adding a creamy texture with a hint of sweetness.
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Zesty Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish to brighten up the flavors, making it even more refreshing!
Make Ahead Options
These Lebanese Beef and Green Beans are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to streamline your busy weeknights! You can chop the beef and toss it with the tomato paste up to 24 hours in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the green beans by trimming and washing them ahead of time, refrigerating them until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to serve, simply add the beef mixture to the pot and resume cooking as directed. This way, you’ll have a comforting, homemade meal on the table with minimal fuss, just as delightful as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Lebanese Beef and Green Beans?
Imagine the warmth of a family meal, each dish complementing the next with colors and flavors that dance on your palate.
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Fluffy Rice: Serve this dish with light, fluffy white or yellow rice to soak up the rich, savory tomato sauce, enhancing each bite.
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Crispy Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips provide a delightful contrast, adding texture and an authentic Middle Eastern flair to your meal.
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Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing yogurt-based sauce drizzled over the beef brightens the flavors, creating a wonderful balance to the hearty dish.
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Mediterranean Salad: A bright salad filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta offers a crisp, refreshing palate cleanser after each bite of beef.
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Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A medley of roasted veggies like eggplant and bell peppers adds a hearty touch, bringing depth to the table and complementing the beef perfectly.
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Mint Tea: A warm glass of mint tea serves as a fragrant and soothing drink that cleanses the palate, rounding out your meal beautifully.
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Baklava: End on a sweet note with flaky baklava, oozing with honey and nuts, offering a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the main dish.
Explore these pairings to create a truly satisfying Lebanese dining experience!
Storage Tips for Lebanese Beef and Green Beans
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps your Lebanese Beef and Green Beans fresh and ready for quick meals.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 6 months. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to bring back the sauce consistency.
Cooling: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing to prevent steam buildup, which can impact texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for Lebanese Beef and Green Beans
• Meat Selection: Choose the right cut: Use beef shoulder roast for best flavor and tenderness, but feel free to substitute with brisket or chuck.
• Cooking Time: Monitor simmering: Make sure to adjust cooking time based on the size of the beef cubes; larger pieces may need longer to become tender.
• Vegetable Prep: Fresh vs. Frozen: If using frozen green beans, thaw them in advance and reduce cooking time to keep them crisp—not mushy.
• Aromatic Additions: Don’t skip garlic: While optional, adding garlic enhances the overall flavor, enriching your Lebanese Beef and Green Beans.
• Bouillon Balance: Taste as you go: Adjust the chicken bouillon powder to your liking, ensuring the dish strikes the perfect savory note.
Lebanese Beef and Green Beans Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend using beef shoulder roast. However, if that’s not available, you can easily substitute it with cuts like chuck or brisket. Just remember to check for even marbling when selecting your meat; this ensures a juicier result.
How should I store leftovers of Lebanese Beef and Green Beans?
Very! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for quick meals. Just make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing it up, to prevent any sogginess from steam.
Can I freeze Lebanese Beef and Green Beans?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 6 months. Use a freezer-safe container, and don’t forget to label it with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to restore the sauce’s consistency.
What should I do if my green beans turn mushy?
I often recommend pre-thawing frozen green beans if you’re using them. If your beans are mushy, it may be because they cooked for too long. Next time, add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, ensuring they stay tender yet slightly crisp. This way, they’ll retain their vibrant color and crunch!
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Very! This Lebanese Beef and Green Beans is dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring your bouillon powder is gluten-free. If preparing for pets or those with allergies, always check labels on ingredients like chicken bouillon. Feel free to modify it as needed for your family’s dietary preferences!
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This dish is quite versatile. You can enhance it by adding quartered potatoes during the simmering stage for a heartier meal. Other options include carrots or bell peppers, making it a colorful and nutritious feast for everyone at the table. Just keep in mind they may need slight adjustments in cooking time!
Lebanese Beef and Green Beans: Quick, Healthy Comfort Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, mix cubed beef and water, ensuring the meat is fully submerged. Stir in the tomato paste along with any optional garlic or diced onion for added flavor.
- Heat the mixture on high until it reaches a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the beef to cook for 30 to 60 minutes, until the meat is tender and easily breaks apart.
- After the beef is tender, add the fresh green beans along with chicken bouillon powder to taste. Continue the simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the green beans are perfectly tender but still vibrant in color.
