Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon: A Hearty, Flavorful Side Dish
Looking for a comforting, savory side dish that will have everyone coming back for more? This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon recipe is the perfect choice. Tender green beans, soft potatoes, and crispy bacon all come together with the zesty goodness of ranch seasoning to create a side dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal everyone loves, whether it’s paired with grilled meats, served at a barbecue, or enjoyed on its own.
This recipe is so easy to make, and the crispy bacon elevates the taste, adding a smoky richness that blends perfectly with the vegetables. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Green beans, fresh or frozen | 1 lb (about 4 cups) |
| Potatoes, peeled and diced | 4 medium-sized |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Ranch seasoning mix | 1 packet (1 oz) |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 1 tablespoon (for garnish) |
| Bacon | 4-6 slices |
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
How to Make Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
- Cook the bacon
In a large pan, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove from the pan, crumble, and set aside. Keep a little of the bacon fat in the pan to cook the potatoes for extra flavor. - Prep the vegetables
While the bacon is cooking, peel and dice your potatoes into bite-sized chunks. If you’re using fresh green beans, trim the ends, or just grab your frozen green beans and set them aside. - Cook the potatoes
In the same pan with the bacon fat (add olive oil if needed), sauté the diced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start turning golden brown. This step adds a delicious crispiness to the potatoes. - Add the green beans and seasoning
Once the potatoes are slightly crispy, add the green beans to the pan, followed by the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated. - Simmer and cook
Pour in 1/2 cup of water, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked through. - Add the bacon
Once the vegetables are cooked, sprinkle the crumbled bacon into the pan and stir it in. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Bacon Substitutes: If you prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon or pancetta are great substitutes for the crispy bacon. They’ll still provide that savory touch without the extra fat.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the green beans for other vegetables like peas or carrots for a different twist.
- Extra Creaminess: For a richer dish, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect
- For Extra Crispy Bacon: Bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes. It will be perfectly crispy without any mess!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the vegetables enough space to cook evenly. If needed, cook them in batches.
- Serve with Gravy: For an added treat, drizzle some brown gravy over the potatoes for extra flavor and moisture.
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Paper towels for bacon
How to Serve
This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is perfect for any occasion! Here are a few ways to serve it:
- Pair it with Grilled Meats: This side dish goes wonderfully with steaks, grilled chicken, or pork chops.
- As a Comforting Vegetarian Option: If you prefer, skip the bacon for a lighter vegetarian dish and pair it with a fresh salad.
- For Family Dinners: Serve it alongside your favorite family dinner for a heartwarming, filling meal.
For a comforting main dish, serve these green beans alongside ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes for a filling dinner.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it up in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
[cal_calc]
Health Benefits
- Green Beans: Green beans are a great source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and help with digestion and maintaining a healthy immune system.
- Potatoes: Packed with potassium, vitamin C, and B6, potatoes provide energy and essential nutrients, making them a great foundation for this dish.
- Bacon: While bacon adds richness and flavor, it also offers a source of protein. Be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your fat intake.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is sure to become your new favorite side dish! It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. The addition of crispy bacon takes it to the next level, making it an irresistible choice for family dinners, barbecues, or even holiday gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy.
