Description: This comforting side dish combines the earthy goodness of green beans and potatoes with the savory allure of bacon and a creamy ranch dressing. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any weeknight meal or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed 🥒
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon gold), halved or quartered 🥔
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix 🌿
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted 🧈
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
Preparation:
This recipe benefits from efficient organization and minimal downtime between steps. Having your ingredients measured and prepped before you begin cooking will streamline the process and ensure optimal results.
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes:
Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. The salt not only seasons the potatoes but also helps them cook more evenly. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the halved or quartered baby potatoes to the boiling water. Ensure the potatoes are fully submerged; if not, add more water. Cook the potatoes for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The fork should slide in and out easily with minimal resistance. Avoid overcooking the potatoes, as they will become mushy and lose their shape. Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly using a colander. Set them aside in a bowl to cool slightly.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans:
Using the same pot (no need to change the water if it’s still relatively clean), bring the water back to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Cook the green beans for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight bite, avoiding them becoming limp and overcooked. Overcooked green beans will lose their vibrant green color and become less appealing in texture. Once cooked, drain the green beans immediately in a colander and set them aside to prevent further cooking. You can also shock them in an ice bath to preserve their bright green color, but this step is optional.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon:
While the potatoes and green beans are cooking, prepare the bacon. Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until it is crispy and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the bacon. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon. Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. This will help ensure the bacon remains crispy. Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Reserve approximately 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet. This will add a delicious smoky flavor to the final dish. Discard the remaining bacon grease carefully.
Step 4: Make the Ranch Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and the ranch seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the butter. The minced garlic will infuse the butter with its aromatic flavor. Set the ranch butter mixture aside. This flavorful mixture is the key to binding all the ingredients together and creating a cohesive and delicious dish.
Step 5: Combine Everything:
Place the skillet with the reserved bacon grease over medium heat. Add the cooked potatoes and green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat them with the bacon grease. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the potatoes and green beans. Pour the ranch butter mixture over the vegetables and bacon. Gently toss everything together until the potatoes, green beans, and bacon are evenly coated with the ranch butter. Be careful not to overmix, as this could cause the potatoes to break apart.
Step 6: Serve:
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and ranch seasoning already contain salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. Transfer the Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish warm. This side dish is best enjoyed immediately while the potatoes and green beans are still tender and the bacon is crispy.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon is a recipe that speaks to the heart of comfort food. You’ll love it because it’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible – the creamy potatoes, the crisp-tender green beans, the salty bacon, and the tangy ranch dressing all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can be adapted to suit your preferences – add more bacon, use different types of potatoes, or spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Most importantly, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing, making it a winning choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables for those picky eaters!
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Grilled or Roasted Chicken: The savory flavors of the vegetables and bacon complement the richness of grilled or roasted chicken beautifully.
- Pork Chops: Serve alongside pan-fried or grilled pork chops for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Steak: The creamy potatoes and green beans provide a lovely contrast to the richness of a steak.
- Meatloaf: This dish is a classic pairing with meatloaf, adding a touch of freshness and flavor to the comforting meal.
- Fish: For a lighter option, serve with baked or grilled fish, such as salmon or cod.
- As a Potluck Dish: This dish travels well and is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh green beans and baby potatoes will result in the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes or green beans. They should be tender-crisp.
- Customize the Ranch Seasoning: You can adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to your liking. For a milder flavor, use less; for a bolder flavor, use more.
- Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch butter mixture.
- Make it Ahead: You can cook the potatoes and green beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply toss them with the bacon, ranch butter, and heat through.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon grease.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Sodium: 700-900mg (depending on the ranch seasoning mix)
Conclusion:
Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. The combination of earthy potatoes, crisp green beans, savory bacon, and tangy ranch dressing is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious culinary experience!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: While fresh green beans are preferred for their superior texture and flavor, you can certainly use frozen green beans in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid a soggy dish. Reduce the cooking time to 3-5 minutes as frozen green beans tend to cook faster than fresh.
Q2: What other types of potatoes can I use?
A: This recipe is very forgiving and can be adapted to use a variety of potatoes. Red potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, and even fingerling potatoes all work well. Avoid using russet potatoes, as they can become too starchy and fall apart during cooking. The key is to choose a potato that holds its shape well during boiling.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the individual components of this dish ahead of time. Cook the potatoes and green beans separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the bacon and crumble it. When ready to serve, simply combine all the ingredients in the skillet and heat through. Be aware that the potatoes and green beans may lose some of their freshness and crispness when reheated, but the dish will still be delicious.
Q4: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: There are several ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the fat content. You can also use low-fat or fat-free butter. Use light ranch seasoning mix and/or consider making your own Ranch seasoning to better control the amount of sodium. Increasing the amount of green beans relative to the potatoes, and adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, will boost the nutritional value while lowering the calorie density.
Q5: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Cheese is a welcome addition to this dish. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese would all be delicious. Add the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking to allow it to melt and become gooey. You can also top the dish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang.
