Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

Name: Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 cups baby potatoes (or 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced); 6 slices bacon, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

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Looking for a simple yet satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor? Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is the perfect solution. This recipe combines the hearty textures of potatoes and fresh green beans with the smoky, savory goodness of crispy bacon. Topped off with a zesty ranch seasoning, this dish is ideal as a side for family dinners or even as a standalone meal when you’re craving comfort food. Let’s dive into how you can create this easy, delicious recipe that’s guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping a dish for a potluck, Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon fits the bill. Here are a few reasons why this dish has become a fan favorite:

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Affordable Ingredients: The ingredients are budget-friendly, and you may already have most of them in your kitchen.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, garlic, onions, and bacon makes this dish incredibly savory and delicious.
Versatile: It pairs well with various main courses like roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or steak. You can even enjoy it on its own as a light meal.

Now, let’s break down the recipe step by step!

Ingredients for Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to create this delectable dish:

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

4 cups baby potatoes (or 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced)
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 cup chicken broth

½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

These simple ingredients combine for a flavorful dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Step-by-Step Directions for Making This Dish

1. Cook the Bacon

Begin by cooking the chopped bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. When the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful bacon drippings in the pan.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Using the remaining bacon drippings, add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, which takes about 5 minutes. Once the onion is tender, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.

3. Brown the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes start to brown. This gives them a nice crispy exterior, adding texture to the final dish.

4. Add Green Beans and Seasonings

Next, add the green beans, ranch seasoning mix, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients. The broth not only adds flavor but also helps cook the vegetables to tender perfection.

5. Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the green beans and potatoes will become tender and fully absorb the rich flavors of the broth and seasonings.

6. Stir in Bacon and Season

Once everything is cooked, stir the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a final stir to ensure even distribution of the bacon and seasoning.

7. Serve

Your Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is now ready to serve! Serve it hot as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal. The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh green beans with ranch seasoning is a surefire hit.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

To help you perfect this recipe, here are a few helpful tips:

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans provide the best texture. If you’re using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw them first to avoid adding excess moisture to the dish.
Crispy Bacon: For maximum flavor, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This adds a delightful crunch to the dish.

Potato Options: Baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe because they have a creamy texture. If you’re using larger potatoes, make sure to dice them evenly so they cook through properly.
Make it Spicy: If you want to kick up the heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the onions and garlic.
Add a Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese over the dish right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

One of the great things about Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is that it provides a balance of nutrients. Here’s what you’ll find in a serving of this dish:

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Calories: 250
Carbohydrates: 20g

Protein: 7g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 700mg
Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 2g
Vitamin C: 15% of the daily value
Calcium: 4% of the daily value

Iron: 6% of the daily value

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

Green Beans: Green beans are a great source of fiber and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. They also provide a low-calorie, nutrient-rich option.
Potatoes: Potatoes are rich in potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, and are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy without spiking blood sugar.

Bacon: While bacon is high in fat, it also provides essential nutrients like protein and B vitamins. You can control the fat content by using turkey bacon or reducing the quantity.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but make sure to thaw them first. You’ll also want to reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen green beans are often pre-blanched.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can make this dish vegetarian by skipping the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add olive oil to sauté the vegetables for additional flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best results. You can also microwave the dish, but the texture may not be as crisp.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to refresh the dish and prevent it from drying out.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Definitely. While baby potatoes are great for this recipe, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work just as well. Just ensure they’re diced evenly so they cook thoroughly.

This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon recipe delivers comfort food at its best. Packed with hearty vegetables, crispy bacon, and a touch of ranch seasoning, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time!

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