Okay, y’all, I’ve got a confession to make: I’m completely obsessed with this Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon recipe. It’s seriously SO good!
I first made this a few weeks ago when I was looking for a simple but flavorful side dish to go with some grilled chicken. And let me tell you, it totally stole the show! The green beans are perfectly tender, the potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the bacon… well, the bacon just makes everything better, doesn’t it?
So if you’re looking for a side dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress, look no further. This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is where it’s at!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: This dish is like a flavor party in your mouth! You’ve got the freshness of green beans, the heartiness of potatoes, the smokiness of bacon, and the tangy creaminess of ranch dressing. It’s seriously the best of all worlds.
- Simple and Satisfying: This recipe is so easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner cook. Plus, it’s hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this dish to your liking. Add different herbs, spices, or even some cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, this dish is a guaranteed hit with everyone. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love it!
Ingredients for Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious side dish:
- Fresh Green Beans: We’re using fresh green beans for this recipe, but you can use frozen if that’s what you have on hand.
- Baby Potatoes: Those cute little potatoes are perfect for this dish, but you can also use regular potatoes, peeled and diced.
- Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon! We’re using chopped bacon for that smoky, salty goodness.
- Onion: A diced onion adds a savory base to the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is our secret weapon for that creamy, tangy flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- Dried Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs add a lovely earthy aroma and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the dish to your liking.
- Olive Oil: Optional, but you can add a drizzle if needed to prevent sticking or add richness.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the dish before serving.
- Veggie Variety: Add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave those delicious bacon drippings in the pan because we’re going to use them for extra flavor.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened and starting to turn golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing at this point.
3. Cook the Potatoes
Now, toss in the diced potatoes. Stir them occasionally and let them cook for 5-7 minutes, just until they start to brown a bit. This step gives the potatoes a bit of texture before they get tender.
4. Add Green Beans and Seasonings
Stir in the green beans, ranch seasoning mix, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour in the chicken broth to help everything cook evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will give the potatoes and green beans time to get perfectly tender.
6. Finish the Dish
Once the veggies are cooked to perfection, stir in the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Give everything a good mix and taste to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve
Serve this dish hot as a hearty side. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple grilled steak. It’s comfort food at its finest.
How to Serve
- With Main Dishes: This dish is a great side for almost any main course, from roasted meats to grilled fish.
- On Its Own: Honestly, it’s filling enough to stand alone for a quick, comforting meal.
- Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top for extra richness.
Make Ahead
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully!
- Freezer: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge and reheat when ready.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Just add them straight to the skillet—no need to thaw. They’ll cook right along with the potatoes.
Can I make this without bacon?
Sure! Just swap the bacon for a tablespoon of olive oil to cook the onions and garlic.
How do I keep the potatoes from getting mushy?
Make sure not to overcook them during the initial browning step. You want them to hold their shape while still getting tender.
There you have it—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is comfort food at its finest. Enjoy!
PrintCountry Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting, hearty side dish featuring tender green beans, creamy potatoes, and crispy bacon, all seasoned with a delicious ranch mix. This is a perfect side for any meal, or can be served as a stand-alone dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups baby potatoes (or 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, if needed)
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion to the bacon drippings. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion softens.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Potatoes:
- Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes start to brown slightly.
Add Green Beans and Seasonings:
- Stir in the green beans, ranch seasoning mix, thyme, and rosemary.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and green beans are tender.
Finish the Dish:
- Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the cooked bacon.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You may add olive oil if the dish feels too dry.
Serve:
- Serve the Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes hot as a hearty side dish, perfect for pairing with any main course.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can adjust the seasoning by adding more herbs or spices, like paprika or cayenne, for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasts, or as a part of a larger family dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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