Green Bean Stew

Lebanese Green Bean Stew is one of the many traditional Lebanese stews that you are going to LOVE! Perfectly spiced beef chunks with tender green beans, onions and garlic, all braised in a hearty tomato sauce. It’s comfort food heaven!

Lebanese Green Bean Stew

This Lebanese Beef and Green Bean Stew is a classic dinner staple in Lebanese cuisine- A perfect comforting fall or winter stew, but can also be enjoyed just as much in the summer time, especially if you grow your own green beans and tomatoes! 

If you love green beans recipes, this Middle Eastern stew recipe should be right up your alley.

Ingredients for Green Bean Stew

Here is a short overview of what you need to prepare a delicious string bean stew. It is a really easy recipe.  Most of the ingredients, you may have in your pantry.

(Scroll below for full recipe)

• Sirloin steak tips:  I like to use sirloin for this dish as it’s quite affordable. Cut into small size pieces so they cook quicker.
• Olive Oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Middle Eastern spices
• Fresh tomato: I blend ripe tomatoes in my food processor. You can also use a can of tomato sauce instead.
• Tomato paste
• Green Beans: Fresh or frozen

How To Make Green Beans Stew

• In a medium sized pot, over medium heat, heat the oil, then add the onions, garlic and salt; cook until the onions are wilted but not browned- for about 10 minutes.
• Add the beef cubes, salt and spices. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure all sides of beef and are cooked. Searing the beef pieces before you add water makes such a difference in the flavor.

• Add water, bring mixture to boil then reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until beef is very tender.
• Add frozen or fresh green beans, cover the pot and simmer for additional 10-15 mins.
• Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Turn heat up to medium high and bring mixture to a boil.
• Lower heat to medium low and simmer for additional 10-15 minutes or until tomato sauce thickens.

• Serve hot over rice and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of meat is used for Lebanese beef and green bean stew?

You’ll want a type of beef that is tender and will cook quickly. I use sirloin steak beef tips in this recipe. Beef tips are typically tender pieces of meat cut from larger roasts such as sirloin tenderloin. I sometimes buy a sirloin steak and cut it into bite size pieces, if I can’t find it pre cut.

You’ll want to avoid tougher cuts of meat such as chuck or beef stew cubes, although you can still use it especially if you own a pressure cooker. Just keep in mind that it will take longer to cook.  

WHAT KIND OF GREEN BEANS TO USE IN THIS EASY GREEN BEAN STEW?

I like to use fresh or frozen green beans. These give the best taste in my opinion and you can cook them the way you like them best. Fresh and frozen beans take about 10-15 minutes, depending on how soft or firm you want them to be.

This time I used frozen green beans. I let them defrost first. They usually require about 15 minutes of cooking time to be very soft, but if you’d like them with a little crunch to them, cook them for shorter time.

If using fresh green beans, just make sure you wash, cut and trim the ends.

Blanching fresh green beans is always a good idea, if you have the time to do it. It slightly cooks them, while preserving their bright green color. If green beans are not blanched and added to a stew, they will turn brownish green color after they are cooked. Not a big deal if you don’t blanch them.

Canned green beans can be used in this Lebanese stew as well. You can add them at the end and cook for 2-3 minutes, because they are already cooked and ready to eat. This is my least favorite method 🙂

HOW LONG DOES GREEN BEAN STEW KEEP?

This stew will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days, when stored in an airtight container.

Can You Freeze Beef Stew with Green Beans?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze beef stew! I like to freeze it in freezer bags in single servings portions so I can take one portion out for lunches (or four out for dinner)! Defrost overnight in the refrigerator or you can defrost in the microwave (time will vary based on portion size) stirring occasionally.

What To Serve With Green Bean and Beef Stew:

Beef stew is super perfect on it’s own; However, in Lebanese cuisine, all stews are usually served over Lebanese rice.

Equipment:

For this stew you will need a chef knife, cutting board. Also, a bigger pot (I like this set).

More Lebanese Stew Recipes to Try:

Lebanese Okra Stew

Beef Stew with Lima Beans

Lebanese Peas and Carrots Stew

Lebanese Spinach Stew

Lebanese Kafta Stew

If you’ve tried this Lebanese Green Bean Stew recipe or any other recipe on Salt & Sweet, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. You can also join my Facebook group where you can share a picture of the recipes that you’ve tried!