Green Beans & Mushrooms – A Simple, Flavorful Side Dish

Easy green beans and mushrooms recipe with garlic, shallots, and herbs. A healthy, flavorful side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love Green Beans & Mushrooms

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that make the biggest impact. This green beans and mushrooms dish is proof that with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly versatile.

It’s the perfect addition to a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to sit alongside your holiday turkey or roast beef. The tender-crisp green beans and earthy baby bella mushrooms are sautéed with shallots, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. A splash of water helps steam the vegetables, locking in their flavor and texture, while olive oil brings everything together with richness.

This dish is:

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes.

• Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

• Versatile – Works as a side for chicken, beef, pork, or fish.

• Crowd-Pleasing – Familiar flavors with an herby twist.

• Holiday-Ready – Balanced and elegant enough to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas

Ingredient Breakdown

Olive Oil

Olive oil is the foundation of this dish, adding healthy fats and a subtle fruity flavor. It coats the vegetables, helps with caramelization, and provides a rich base for the herbs and seasonings.

Tip: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, or swap in avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point.

1 Shallot, Diced

Shallots are milder and sweeter than onions, making them perfect for a delicate side dish. They add depth without overpowering the green beans and mushrooms.

Substitute: If you don’t have shallots, you can use a small yellow onion or a few green onions.

1 Bag Green Beans, Trimmed & Cut

Green beans are the star here. Crisp, fresh, and slightly sweet, they balance beautifully with earthy mushrooms. Trim the ends and cut into 2-inch pieces for easy eating.

Pro Tip: Blanching the green beans for 2 minutes in boiling water before sautéing helps them keep their bright green color.

1 Container Baby Bella Mushrooms, Sliced

Baby bellas (also known as cremini mushrooms) bring rich, earthy flavor. Their meaty texture complements the crisp beans perfectly.

Alternative: White button mushrooms work too, though they have a milder flavor. For a more gourmet twist, try shiitake or oyster mushrooms.

1 Tablespoon Water

A splash of water creates steam when the skillet is covered, ensuring the beans and mushrooms cook evenly without drying out.

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

Garlic powder infuses the dish with garlicky flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic. It disperses evenly and complements both beans and mushrooms.

1 Teaspoon Oregano

Oregano adds a Mediterranean herbiness that brightens the dish. It works especially well if you’re serving the beans alongside chicken or lamb.

1 Teaspoon Thyme

Thyme adds an earthy, woodsy note that pairs beautifully with mushrooms. It also enhances the roasted garlic-like flavor that develops in the skillet.

Salt & Pepper to Taste

The simplest but most essential ingredients. Salt enhances all the flavors, while freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right amount of bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Skillet

• Add a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet and warm it over medium-high heat.

2. Sauté the Shallots

• Add the diced shallot and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

3. Cook the Green Beans

• Toss in the green beans and sauté for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften but still have a bite.

4. Add Mushrooms & Steam

• Add the sliced baby bella mushrooms and 1 tbsp water.

• Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to tenderize the vegetables.

5. Season

• Remove the lid and season with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp thyme, and salt & pepper to taste.

• Stir well and cook for an additional 3 minutes until beans are fork-tender and mushrooms are golden.

6. Serve

• Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Recipe Card

Green Beans & Mushrooms

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 shallot, diced

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces

• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, washed & sliced

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add shallot; sauté 1–2 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in green beans; cook 3–5 minutes.

4. Add mushrooms and water; cover and steam for 5 minutes.

5. Uncover and season with garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

6. Stir and cook 3 minutes more until beans are fork-tender.

7. Serve warm.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Fresh Beans – Look for bright green beans that snap when bent. Avoid limp or spotted ones.

2. Dry Mushrooms Well – If mushrooms are too wet, they’ll steam instead of brown. Pat them dry with paper towels after washing.

3. Don’t Overcook – Keep beans slightly crisp for the best texture.

4. Boost Flavor – Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.

5. Meal Prep Friendly – This dish reheats well and makes a great side for weekly lunches.

Variations

• Garlic Butter Green Beans: Use butter instead of olive oil and add minced garlic.

• Italian Twist: Add cherry tomatoes and top with Parmesan.

• Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce and sesame oil instead of oregano and thyme.

• Holiday-Style: Toss with toasted almonds or crispy shallots before serving.

What to Serve With Green Beans & Mushrooms

This dish is a versatile side that pairs well with:

• Roast chicken, turkey, or duck

• Pan-seared salmon or cod

• Beef tenderloin or pork roast

• Pasta with cream or tomato sauce

• Holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners

Storing & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as green beans lose texture when frozen.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 110

• Fat: 7g

• Carbs: 10g

• Fiber: 4g

• Protein: 3g

(values vary depending on oil and portion size)

Why You Will Love This Dish

This recipe proves that side dishes don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. The combination of tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and aromatic herbs is a winning trio that appeals to everyone.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for holidays, which means it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this green beans and mushrooms dish will always earn compliments.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Green Beans & Mushrooms

Easy green beans and mushrooms recipe with garlic, shallots, and herbs. A healthy, flavorful side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 shallot, diced
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, washed & sliced
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shallot; sauté 1–2 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in green beans; cook 3–5 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms and water; cover and steam for 5 minutes.
5. Uncover and season with garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir and cook 3 minutes more until beans are fork-tender.
7. Serve warm.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cooksnapbake on instagram and hashtag it #Green Beans & Mushrooms

If you loved this Green Beans & Mushrooms recipe, don’t miss my Chili Crunch Parmesan Carrots and Lyonnaise Potatoes — two more sides that pair perfectly with holiday dinners. Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter for seasonal recipes, meal planning tips, and themed dinner night inspiration sent straight to your inbox!