Country Ranch Green Beans And Potatoes With Bacon Recipe

If you're looking for a classic, hearty dish that combines the comfort of potatoes with the freshness of green beans and the savory richness of bacon, this Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is the one for you. This delightful side dish or even main course is a fantastic option for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It's flavorful, easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Read on to discover how you can prepare this soul-satisfying dish step by step and ensure it's a hit at your next meal!

What are Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon?

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is a savory dish that brings together tender green beans, creamy potatoes, and crispy, flavorful bacon all tossed in a ranch seasoning blend. This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors – soft yet firm potatoes, crunchy green beans, and the smoky, salty bite of bacon. The ranch seasoning ties it all together, giving the dish a creamy, herby flavor that's both delicious and comforting. Whether served as a side dish or a main entrée, this recipe is a great way to elevate a traditional home-cooked meal.

Ingredients List for Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

Before diving into the cooking instructions, gather all your ingredients. This recipe is simple, but having the right components on hand will make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable. Here's what you'll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans – trimmed and halved
• 1 pound baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red) – quartered
• 6-8 slices of bacon – cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion – diced
• 3 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix – or homemade ranch seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – chopped (optional for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tablespoon butter – for extra richness
• Red pepper flakes – for a slight kick
• Shredded cheese – like cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy twist

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking is all about customization, and this recipe can be tweaked to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke to get that rich, smoky flavor. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a meaty texture.
• Potato Variations: If you don't have baby potatoes, regular Yukon gold or russet potatoes will work just as well. You can also substitute sweet potatoes for a sweeter, nutrient-rich twist.
• Ranch Seasoning Alternative: If you're looking to cut down on sodium or prefer a homemade option, mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of buttermilk powder to create your own ranch seasoning.
• Extra Vegetables: Add in carrots, bell peppers, or even asparagus to give the dish more color and variety. You can mix and match vegetables to suit the season or your pantry.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making this delicious dish, one step at a time.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Wash and trim the green beans, and set them aside. Wash the baby potatoes and cut them into quarters. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop your bacon into bite-sized pieces.

2. Parboil the Potatoes

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the quartered potatoes. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re just tender but not falling apart. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.

3. Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

5. Add the Green Beans and Potatoes

To the skillet, add the green beans and cooked potatoes. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are bright green and the potatoes start to get a bit of color.

6. Season and Combine

Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the green beans and potatoes. Stir everything to evenly coat the vegetables in the seasoning. Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and toss everything together for a final 2-3 minutes.

7. Finish with Garnish

Once everything is heated through and coated with ranch seasoning, turn off the heat. If using, add a small pat of butter for extra richness and stir it in. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

How to Cook Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the process to keep handy as you cook:

1. Prep the vegetables: Wash and chop green beans and potatoes.
2. Parboil the potatoes: Cook potatoes until just tender, then drain.
3. Cook the bacon: Sauté bacon until crispy and set aside.
4. Sauté onions and garlic: Cook in the bacon drippings.
5. Sauté green beans and potatoes: Add the vegetables and sauté until they develop some color.
6. Add ranch seasoning and bacon: Mix everything together until well coated.
7. Garnish and serve: Add optional parsley and butter for added flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Potatoes: It’s important to not overcook the potatoes during the parboiling step, as they’ll continue cooking in the skillet. Aim for fork-tender potatoes that hold their shape.
• Undercooked Green Beans: Fresh green beans should have a slight crunch, but make sure you give them enough time to cook through without being mushy.
• Using Too Much Salt: Bacon and ranch seasoning both have a good amount of salt, so be careful not to add too much additional salt. Taste as you go.
• Skipping the Bacon Drain: Make sure to drain the bacon on a paper towel to remove excess grease, or the dish may end up greasy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation plays a huge role in making any dish appetizing. Here are some serving tips and ideas:

How to Serve Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes

This dish is versatile enough to be served as a side or a main course. Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or steak for a complete meal. If you want to keep it vegetarian, serve it alongside a big green salad or with a grain like quinoa or farro.

Presentation Ideas for Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes

• Serve in a Cast Iron Skillet: This dish looks rustic and homey when served directly from the cast iron skillet you cooked it in.
• Use a Large Platter: For a family-style meal, transfer the green beans and potatoes to a large platter and sprinkle with extra bacon and parsley.
• Individual Bowls: Serve in individual bowls with a drizzle of melted butter for an extra touch of indulgence.

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can parboil the potatoes and trim the green beans in advance to make the cooking process quicker.
• Crispier Bacon: For even crispier bacon, cook the bacon pieces on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or heavy cream just before serving to make the dish creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, you can. Just thaw them before cooking and add them to the skillet in step 5. They’ll cook faster than fresh beans, so adjust your timing accordingly.

What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can cook everything in advance, but for the best flavor, reheat it on the stovetop and add a bit of extra seasoning before serving.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier? Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish for a little extra heat.

Conclusion

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a favorite in your household. It's easy to prepare, customizable, and works for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. With a few simple ingredients and some basic steps, you can create a savory, well-balanced dish that everyone will enjoy. Give it a try, and don't forget to make it your own with the variations and tips provided!

Happy cooking!

Print