Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon Recipe

This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon recipe is a homestyle classic that brings together tender veggies, crispy bacon, and that irresistible ranch flavor. The first time I made this, the whole house smelled amazing—my family couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s a perfect cozy side dish, but honestly, I could make a meal out of it alone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bacon, Baby! Crispy bacon mixed with tender veggies—what’s not to love?
• Ranch Seasoning Magic: The ranch seasoning adds a zesty, herby kick that makes this dish a family favorite.
• Hearty and Satisfying: This dish is not only comforting but also filling, thanks to the potatoes and green beans.

Ingredients

• Fresh Green Beans: 1 lb, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Baby Potatoes: 4 cups, or 4 large potatoes peeled and diced.
• Bacon: 6 slices, chopped.
• Onion: 1, diced.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 packet (1 oz) for that herby ranch flavor.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup to simmer the veggies.
• Dried Thyme: ½ tsp for an earthy note.
• Dried Rosemary: ½ tsp for an aromatic touch.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil (Optional): 2 tbsp, if needed for cooking.

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Herb Swap: If you’re not into thyme or rosemary, feel free to swap them out for your favorite herbs like parsley or oregano.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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!

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