Description

If you’re searching for the perfect comfort food side dish, look no further than this mouthwatering Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon recipe. This dish is a delicious combination of crispy bacon, tender green beans, and hearty potatoes, all brought together with the savory flavors of ranch seasoning and smoked paprika. It’s the ultimate side dish for family dinners, barbecues, or holiday gatherings, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. The bacon adds a satisfying crunch, while the ranch seasoning enhances the overall flavor profile with its herb and garlic notes. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying side for a grilled steak or a cozy accompaniment to roasted chicken, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
6 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. This should take around 7-8 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess fat. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet, as they will add flavor to the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

With the bacon drippings still in the skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Once the onion and garlic are softened, add the potato chunks to the skillet. Stir to coat the potatoes with the bacon drippings and seasonings. Cook the potatoes for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow them to brown slightly and absorb the flavors of the onions and garlic.

Step 4: Add Green Beans and Seasonings

Add the fresh green beans to the skillet along with the ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir everything together to ensure the vegetables are coated evenly with the seasoning. Add the chicken broth and butter to the skillet and give it another good stir.

Step 5: Simmer

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the vegetables simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the potatoes and green beans from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the skillet becomes too dry, you can add more chicken broth, a couple of tablespoons at a time. Simmer until the potatoes and green beans are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once the vegetables are fully cooked and tender, stir in the crispy bacon pieces you set aside earlier. Allow the flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes over low heat. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite main course.

Notes

Cooking Notes:

Choosing Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes work best for this recipe as they hold their shape well during cooking and have a naturally creamy texture.
Green Beans: For the best results, use fresh green beans. If you’re using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Adjusting Seasoning: The ranch seasoning already contains a good amount of salt, so be mindful when adding extra salt. Taste the dish before adjusting the seasoning to avoid over-salting.
Smoked Paprika: While optional, smoked paprika adds a subtle, smoky depth that complements the bacon. You can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor or substitute with regular paprika.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with Protein: This dish is a great side for grilled chicken, steak, or roasted pork. The smoky and savory flavors of the green beans and potatoes pair beautifully with any meat dish.
Holiday Meal: Serve this at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter as an alternative to traditional vegetable sides like mashed potatoes or green bean casserole.
Casual Dinners: This is the perfect side dish for a casual weeknight dinner, especially when served with BBQ chicken, meatloaf, or burgers.
Complete the Meal: Add a simple green salad or a slice of cornbread to round out the meal.

Tips:

Crispy Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, cook it in the oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the fat to drain off while the bacon cooks evenly.
Make it a Casserole: You can turn this dish into a casserole by transferring the cooked ingredients into a baking dish, sprinkling cheese on top, and baking it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Add Protein: Turn this into a complete meal by adding cooked sausage, ham, or shredded chicken to the skillet along with the bacon.
Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a smoky flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 9g