Gather ingredients.

Combine green beans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a stainless steel pot over medium-high heat. Cook, covered, until beans begin to sweat. Remove the lid and stir occasionally until beans are tender.

When beans and spices begin to char on the bottom of the pan, stir in olive oil and turn off heat. Cover and let stand a few minutes.

Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate charred spices. Beans should have a dark, caramel color, but not black.