Country Ranch Green Beans And Potatoes With Bacon Recipe

Looking for a delicious and hearty side dish that combines fresh veggies, savory bacon, and a burst of ranch flavor? This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon recipe is the perfect comfort food. The tender green beans and potatoes are simmered together, seasoned with a ranch dressing mix, and topped with crispy bacon for an easy-to-make dish that's full of flavor. It’s the ideal accompaniment to any main course or even a tasty dish on its own. Let’s get started with this simple yet flavor-packed recipe!

this Recipe

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What is Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon?

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is a classic Southern-inspired side dish that combines fresh green beans, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon, all seasoned with a ranch dressing mix. The bacon adds a smoky richness, while the ranch seasoning infuses the vegetables with herbs and tang. This dish is hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone meal but also works beautifully alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or any homestyle dinner.

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Ingredients List for Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

To make Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed: You can also use frozen green beans if fresh are not available.
• 1 ½ pounds baby red or yellow potatoes, quartered: Baby potatoes are great for this recipe, but you can use regular potatoes cut into chunks if needed.
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crispy bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish.
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 ounce): This gives the dish its signature ranch flavor. You can also make homemade ranch seasoning if you prefer.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For a savory, aromatic touch.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For extra richness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Helps cook the vegetables and adds flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.

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Ingredients List for Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon (Optional Add-ins)

If you want to add more flavor or texture, here are some optional ingredients you can include:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: For an extra smoky kick.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy note to balance the richness.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melted cheese on top for extra indulgence.
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped: For garnish and a pop of color.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a bit of tang and brightness to balance the richness of the bacon and potatoes.

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Substitutions and Variations

• Bacon alternative: For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely for a vegetarian option.
• Potatoes: Yukon gold or Russet potatoes also work well if you don't have baby potatoes.
• Dairy-free: Omit the butter or use a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
• Ranch alternative: If you're not a fan of ranch, you can use Italian dressing mix for a different flavor profile.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this delicious and easy side dish.

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

1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the bacon is cooking, trim the green beans and cut the potatoes into quarters or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
3. Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the potatoes: Add the quartered potatoes to the skillet and toss them in the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and let the potatoes cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Add the green beans: Once the potatoes are partially cooked, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir to combine, cover, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the beans are tender but still bright green, and the potatoes are fully cooked.
6. Season with ranch mix: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the potatoes and green beans, stirring gently to evenly coat the vegetables. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine with bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon, allowing the flavors to meld together. Let the dish cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the dish to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the green beans: To keep the beans tender-crisp, add them later in the cooking process, so they don’t turn mushy.
• Not stirring the ranch mix in evenly: Ensure that the ranch seasoning is thoroughly mixed into the vegetables to avoid clumps and ensure even flavor.
• Using too much liquid: Be cautious not to add too much chicken broth or liquid. You want the potatoes and beans to be tender, but not too watery.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon dish is hearty and rustic, making it perfect for casual family meals or potlucks.

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How to Serve Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

• Side dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, or any other main course.
• Main dish: Turn this into a hearty main by adding more protein, like grilled sausage or rotisserie chicken.
• Potluck favorite: This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can be served warm or at room temperature.

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Presentation Ideas for Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

• Family-style: Serve the dish in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a large wooden bowl for a homey, farmhouse-style presentation.
• Garnish for color: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or even crumbled feta cheese for extra color and flavor.
• Plate with layers: Serve the potatoes and green beans layered on a plate with a sprinkle of bacon on top for an elegant yet casual look.

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Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can cook the bacon and chop the vegetables ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This makes assembling the dish a breeze!
• Reheat easily: This dish reheats well. Simply warm it in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
• Customize the seasoning: If you love ranch flavor, feel free to add an extra half-packet of ranch seasoning for a more intense taste.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe? Yes! Frozen green beans work great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first, and add them at the same time as you would fresh green beans.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or the microwave before serving.
3. Can I make this dish without bacon? Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. You can also add a plant-based bacon alternative for a similar flavor.
4. How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy? Be sure to check the potatoes with a fork during cooking to ensure they’re cooked to your desired tenderness, but still firm enough to hold their shape.
5. What other vegetables can I add? You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish for more color and flavor.

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Conclusion

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food side dish that brings together tender vegetables, savory bacon, and a burst of ranch flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or potluck, this easy and delicious dish will be a hit with everyone at the table. It’s versatile, hearty, and full of Southern charm, making it perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this flavorful, satisfying dish today!

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