Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Green Beans

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized cubes. Trim and cut the green beans into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches long, for easy eating. Set the vegetables aside while you cook the bacon.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and releases its fat, about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, leaving the bacon drippings behind.

Step 3: Sauté the Potatoes

In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the cubed potatoes. If the skillet is too dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the potatoes over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown slightly. The bacon drippings will help give the potatoes extra flavor and a nice golden crust.

Step 4: Add the Green Beans and Broth

Next, add the green beans to the skillet with the potatoes. Stir to combine the vegetables evenly. Pour in the chicken broth or water, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and let the vegetables simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked through. The broth will help steam the veggies and infuse them with moisture, making them soft and flavorful.

Step 5: Stir in Ranch Seasoning and Bacon

Once the potatoes and green beans are tender, sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the top of the vegetables and stir to combine. Add the crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet, giving everything a good mix. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning to suit your preferences.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired, and serve warm as a hearty side dish. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few days for leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed: The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and the natural flavors of the green beans and potatoes creates a side dish that’s bursting with savory goodness. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have this delicious side dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

Versatile: This dish goes wonderfully with a wide range of main courses, from chicken and beef to pork and seafood. It’s also a great addition to any holiday meal, making it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and family celebrations.

Comforting and hearty: The potatoes add a comforting, filling element to the dish, while the green beans provide a fresh, vibrant contrast. The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Tips for Success

• Add extra veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, feel free to toss in some carrots or corn for added color and flavor. These veggies will also cook well with the potatoes and green beans.
• Customize the seasoning: If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix on hand, you can make your own by combining garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and salt. Adjust the amounts to your taste.
• Crispier bacon: For even crispier bacon, you can bake it in the oven on a sheet pan at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
• Make it a complete meal: If you want to turn this into a one-pot meal, you can add your choice of protein, like grilled chicken, sausage, or pork chops, and cook everything in the same skillet.

Conclusion

Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon is a dish that combines all the best flavors of comfort food into one hearty, satisfying side. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with a weeknight dinner or as part of a holiday spread, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

With its irresistible combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and ranch-seasoned green beans, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe that’s both simple and comforting, making it a must-try for any occasion.