Country Ranch Green Beans And Potatoes With Bacon Recipe

Looking for a delicious, comforting side dish that combines the savory flavors of bacon, ranch seasoning, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans? Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is the perfect choice! This simple yet flavorful recipe makes for an excellent side dish for any meal, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner. The combination of crispy bacon, ranch-seasoned potatoes, and green beans offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into this easy recipe, with step-by-step instructions, variations, and serving ideas!

What Is Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon?

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is a hearty side dish made by roasting or sautéing tender potatoes, fresh green beans, and crispy bacon, all coated in ranch seasoning for a burst of flavor. The bacon adds a smoky richness, while the potatoes provide a satisfying, starchy texture, and the green beans add a crisp, fresh bite. Ranch seasoning ties it all together with its tangy, herby flavor, making this dish a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats, grilled dishes, or even as a standalone meal.

---

Ingredients List for Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 ½ lbs baby red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added smokiness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

---

Substitutions and Variations

This dish is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some options:

1. Potato Variations:
   While baby red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work perfectly in this recipe, you can also use russet potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.
2. Green Beans:
   Fresh green beans are ideal, but you can also use frozen green beans if that's what you have on hand. If using frozen beans, blanch them briefly before adding them to the dish to maintain their bright green color and texture.
3. Bacon Substitutes:
   If you prefer a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian option. For a different flavor, pancetta works well too.
4. Ranch Seasoning:
   If you don’t have a ranch seasoning packet, you can make your own by mixing together dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and salt. This gives you control over the salt content and flavor.
5. Add Cheese:
   For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese over the potatoes and green beans before serving.
6. Make it Spicy:
   If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish for a spicy kick.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   In the same skillet (or a separate one), add the olive oil and butter (if using) over medium-high heat. Add the quartered potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Add the Green Beans:
   While the potatoes are cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the green beans by boiling them for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
4. Combine and Season:
   Once the potatoes are nearly done, add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the potatoes. Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning packet over the potatoes and green beans, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the green beans are heated through and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
5. Add the Bacon:
   Stir in the crumbled bacon, letting the flavors meld together for 1-2 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
6. Serve:
   Transfer the Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

---

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

1. Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
2. Sauté Potatoes: Cook the quartered potatoes in a skillet until golden brown and tender.
3. Blanch Green Beans: Quickly blanch green beans in boiling water, then shock them in ice water.
4. Combine and Season: Add the green beans to the potatoes, sprinkle with ranch seasoning, and stir in crumbled bacon.
5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot as a side dish.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Blanching the Green Beans:
   Blanching green beans before adding them to the skillet ensures they remain vibrant and tender. Skipping this step can result in green beans that are undercooked or too tough.
2. Overcooking the Potatoes:
   Be sure to cook the potatoes just until golden brown and tender. Overcooking can make them mushy or dry. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Overloading the Skillet:
   If your skillet is too crowded, the potatoes won’t crisp up properly, and the green beans may steam rather than fry. Cook in batches if necessary, or use a larger skillet.
4. Not Seasoning Enough:
   The ranch seasoning adds a lot of flavor, but be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If needed, add more ranch seasoning or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

This dish is flavorful and hearty, making it a perfect side for a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting the dish:

1. Serve with Roasted Meats:
   This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, pork chops, or beef. Serve alongside grilled or roasted chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or a juicy steak for a complete meal.
2. Add a Fresh Salad:
   Pair the green beans and potatoes with a light salad, such as a simple garden salad or a cucumber-tomato salad, to balance out the richness of the bacon and potatoes.
3. Holiday Side Dish:
   This dish makes an excellent addition to your holiday table. Serve it alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef for a crowd-pleasing side during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
4. Garnish for Presentation:
   Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

---

How to Serve Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

• As a Side Dish: Serve this hearty dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a comforting meal.
• With Brunch: It also works well as a brunch side dish alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet. The combination of bacon, potatoes, and green beans makes it perfect for a morning meal.
• For Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, so it's great for meal prepping. Divide the green beans and potatoes into portions and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

---

Presentation Ideas for Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

1. Family-Style Platter: Serve the green beans and potatoes on a large family-style platter for an inviting presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
2. Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic look, serve the dish directly from a cast-iron skillet. This keeps the food warm and adds a charming presentation.
3. Bowl with Bacon Garnish: Transfer the green beans and potatoes to a serving bowl and top with extra crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.

---

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can cook the bacon and blanch the green beans ahead of time to save prep time. Store them in the refrigerator and simply reheat them when you’re ready to cook the dish.
• Crispier Potatoes: If you like extra crispy potatoes, bake them on a sheet pan at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, before adding them to the skillet with the green beans.
• Use a Slow Cooker: For an easy hands-off version, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can blanch the green beans and cook the bacon in advance. Reheat them with the potatoes in the skillet when you're ready to serve. The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just blanch them briefly before adding them to the skillet with the potatoes to ensure they don’t overcook.

---

Conclusion

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is a simple yet delicious side dish that combines tender potatoes, fresh green beans, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning into one irresistible dish. Whether you're serving it as a side for a family dinner or making it for a holiday gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying and comforting addition to any meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of bacon, ranch, and perfectly cooked potatoes and green beans!

Print