Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
A beloved Southern comfort dish combining crisp-tender fresh green beans, creamy yet firm potatoes, smoky crispy bacon, and flavorful ranch seasoning. This quick, pantry-friendly recipe is perfect as a side for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday spreads, delivering hearty homestyle flavor with minimal fuss.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot for blanching or boiling potatoes
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Colander or strainer
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or slotted spoon for tossing
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 lb Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: splash of chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare green beans: Rinse and trim the ends. Blanch them in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook potatoes: Place cubed potatoes in boiling salted water and cook for 10–12 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Drain well. Alternatively, roast potatoes at 400°F for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
- Cook bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon slices and set aside on paper towels to drain. Reserve bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté aromatics (optional): If using onion and garlic, add to bacon fat and sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Combine and cook vegetables: Add potatoes to the skillet and sauté in bacon fat (and butter/oil if needed) until lightly golden. Add green beans and toss to combine.
- Season: Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the vegetables and stir well to coat evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, splash a bit of broth and stir.
- Finish: Crumble cooked bacon over the top and toss gently. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs before serving.
- Serve warm: Enjoy as a hearty side alongside your favorite main dishes.
Notes
- Freshness matters: Use fresh green beans and quality bacon for the best flavor and texture.
- Blanching green beans: Helps retain vibrant color and crispness, avoiding mushy results.
- Potato choice: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red hold their shape well and become creamy inside.
- Ranch seasoning: Adjust the amount to your taste; homemade ranch mix offers more control over salt and herbs.
- Add broth carefully: Use broth sparingly to avoid sogginess but add moisture and flavor if needed.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit bacon and use olive oil or butter, adding smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
- Storage: Keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking vegetables.