Description

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines fresh green beans, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon, all seasoned with a ranch blend and savory herbs. This comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or holiday gatherings. The smoky bacon, earthy garlic, and tangy ranch seasoning create an irresistible combination that enhances the vegetables' natural flavors. Whether you serve it as a side or enjoy it on its own, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• Fresh Green Beans: 1 lb, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Baby Potatoes: 4 cups, or 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• Bacon: 6 slices, chopped
• Onion: 1, diced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 packet, 1 oz
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (optional, if needed)

Preparation Method

Start by prepping the fresh ingredients. Trim the green beans, removing the tough ends, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Mince the garlic and dice the onion.

In a large skillet or pot, heat the bacon over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and browned, which will render out the fat, providing flavor for the vegetables. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.

In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sauté them in the bacon drippings until they become soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If you find that the bacon drippings are not enough to sauté the vegetables, add the olive oil to help soften the onions and garlic.

Next, add the diced potatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the aromatic bacon fat. Sauté the potatoes for about 5 minutes, allowing them to develop a golden brown crust. Once the potatoes are lightly browned, add the fresh green beans to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.

Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Add salt and pepper to taste, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure that the vegetables cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.

Once the vegetables are tender, return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to incorporate. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning, if needed.

Tips and Conclusion

For Extra Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier version of this dish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last few minutes of cooking.

Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño with the onions.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or corn to customize the dish to your liking.

Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes is a fantastic side dish that combines comforting ingredients with the rich, savory flavors of ranch seasoning, bacon, and fresh herbs. The dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Serve it alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a stand-alone veggie dish. The smoky bacon and creamy ranch mix make this a crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!