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Ground Turkey Garlic Butter Green Beans - A Simple, Satisfying Skillet Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is ideal for flavor and moisture)
  • 1 pound green beans, trimmed (fresh is best; frozen works with a few tweaks)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Prep the green beans: Rinse and trim the ends. Pat dry so they sear instead of steam. If your beans are thick, snap them in half for even cooking.
  2. Heat the pan: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When it shimmers, add the green beans in an even layer.
  3. Blister the beans: Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring only a few times. You want charred spots and a crisp-tender bite. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Brown the turkey: In the same pan, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  5. Build flavor: Let the turkey cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to brown, then stir. Add the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
  6. Add garlic and sauces: Reduce heat to medium. Push the turkey to one side. Add the butter to the empty side and let it melt. Add minced garlic to the butter and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Combine: Stir the garlic butter into the turkey. Add soy sauce and Worcestershire. Return the green beans to the pan and toss to coat.
  8. Finish with brightness: Turn off the heat. Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives. Serve as is, or spoon over rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes.