Name: Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 pounds chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried Mediterranean oregano; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 medium yellow onions, diced; 12 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes; 1/2 can water (from the crushed tomato cans); 16 ounces fresh or frozen green beans; Steamed basmati rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 6 reviews

If you are craving a hearty and soul-warming meal that carries the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, you simply cannot miss this Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Beef Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender beef, fresh green beans, and a savory tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices that will have you savoring every bite. This stew perfectly balances robust, comforting ingredients with vibrant freshness, making it a true jewel in Lebanese home cooking. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner night, this dish promises a delicious and memorable experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of small pieces of cooked meat mixed with a generous amount of finely chopped cooked onions. The meat pieces are dark brown with a slightly crispy texture, and the onions are golden and soft, evenly spread throughout the mixture. The food fills the frame, with no visible plate or bowl, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Beef Recipe relies on some wonderfully simple yet essential ingredients—you probably already have most of them in your pantry! Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender chuck roast that provides richness to the fresh green beans adding that perfect pop of color and texture.

Olive oil: The base for browning beef and sautéing onions, it adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Chuck roast (3 pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
Salt (2 1/2 teaspoons plus more): Crucial for enhancing all the flavors throughout the stew.
Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic finish.
Yellow onions (2 medium, diced): Their sweetness softens the dish and layers flavor.
Garlic (12 cloves, minced): A fragrant punch that elevates the stew’s savory profile.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a subtle smoky depth.
Dried Mediterranean oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers a classic herbaceous note.
Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds umami complexity, enhancing the beef’s flavor.
Crushed tomatoes (2 cans, 28 ounces each): Form the rich, tangy base of the stew sauce.
Water (1/2 can from the tomato can): Helps balance the sauce consistency for perfect simmering.
Fresh or frozen green beans (16 ounces): Brightens the dish with a fresh, crisp texture.
Steamed basmati rice: The ideal bed to soak up all that luscious stew sauce.

How to Make Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Generously season your chuck roast pieces with salt and freshly cracked black pepper—this is where much of your flavor begins. Brown the beef in batches to ensure every piece develops a lovely caramelized crust. This process locks in juices and sets a deep, savory foundation for your stew.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Once your beef is beautifully browned, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onions straight into the pot. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Now stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything smells utterly fragrant. This step layers your stew with aromatic complexity.

Step 3: Deglaze and Mix the Sauce

Add the Worcestershire sauce along with crushed tomatoes and half a can of water to the pot. Give everything a good stir, scraping the bottom with your spatula to lift all those gorgeous browned bits stuck to the pot. These bits are pure flavor gold and bring richness and depth to your sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Bring your pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid. If you’re using fresh green beans, simmer the beef for about 90 minutes before adding them. If frozen, let it simmer for 2 full hours. These simmering times are key to transforming the beef into velvety tenderness and melding those wonderful spices into the sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Add Green Beans and Finish Cooking

Stir in your green beans and bring the stew back to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer again and cover the pot. Cook fresh green beans for 60 to 90 minutes or 15 to 30 minutes for frozen, allowing the green beans to soften while still retaining a hint of snap and vibrant color. This final step completes your stew, marrying all flavors perfectly just before serving.

How to Serve Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Beef Recipe

The dish shows a close-up of a thick red tomato sauce with chunks of tender meat and whole green beans mixed in. The sauce looks rich and textured, with small bits of onion visible throughout. The dish is in a white bowl, sitting on a white marbled surface. At the edge of the image, some light-colored grains or rice are partially visible under the sauce. The colors are vibrant, with the red sauce dominating and the green beans adding contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make this dish even more inviting, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a few torn mint leaves on top. These green garnishes add a burst of fresh flavor and brighten the warm tones of the stew. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also provide a lovely hint of acidity that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stew is traditionally served over fluffy steamed basmati rice, which soaks up every drop of the delicious tomato-beef sauce. For a heartier meal, pair it with warm pita bread or a simple fattoush salad for some refreshing crunch and herbs. These sides enhance the overall dining experience with textural contrast and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more modern twist, serve the Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Beef Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a garnish of toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil. Another beautiful idea is to plate it alongside grilled vegetables or roasted eggplant to add smoky layers and depth, making the presentation as memorable as the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, making it an excellent make-ahead dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Beef Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it out and freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When freezing, slightly undercook the green beans so they don’t turn mushy upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the stew has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat as that can dry out the beef and affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after long cooking, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the cut’s fat and connective tissue.

Do I have to use fresh green beans, or are frozen beans acceptable?

Both fresh and frozen green beans work well. Fresh green beans take longer to cook and retain a bit more texture, while frozen ones reduce cooking time and are convenient for all seasons.

Is this stew spicy?

Not at all! The Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Beef Recipe focuses more on warm, smoky, and herbaceous flavors rather than heat. You can always add some red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of spice.

Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics first is still recommended, but after that, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours for tender, flavorful results.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to add that umami tanginess. However, Worcestershire adds a unique complexity that’s worth keeping if possible.

Final Thoughts

This Lebanese Green Bean Stew with Beef Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of tradition to your table. Its blend of tender beef, vibrant green beans, and savory tomato sauce is truly irresistible and perfect for sharing. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll soon discover why it’s a beloved classic and a personal favorite for so many. Enjoy every spoonful!