Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
Savory, rustic, and brimming with flavor—this Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon dish is everything a comfort food side should be. The tender potatoes soak up that rich, smoky bacon flavor, while green beans bring a crisp contrast and the ranch seasoning infuses every bite with herby goodness.
This dish is a one-skillet wonder perfect for busy weeknights or serving at big family gatherings. It’s hearty enough to stand as a main, or it plays beautifully alongside other Southern staples.
Why I Love This Recipe
You just can’t go wrong with bacon, ranch, and potatoes in one dish. Add in green beans and some aromatic herbs, and you’ve got a meal that’s flavorful and filling without a lot of fuss. It’s a great recipe to make when you’ve got a mix of pantry basics and fresh produce on hand.
Plus, it’s easy to scale up, meal prep-friendly, and ready in under an hour. Comfort food? Absolutely. Weeknight-friendly? You bet.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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 🍗
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary 🌿
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🥄 Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Potatoes: Baby red or Yukon golds hold their shape well. Russets will be softer.
- Green Beans: Fresh is best, but frozen can work—just adjust the cook time slightly.
- Bacon: Smoked or thick-cut adds even more flavor. Turkey bacon works too.
- Ranch Mix: Use a packet or your favorite homemade version for a cleaner option.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary? Even better.
👩🍳 How to Make Country Ranch Green Beans & Potatoes
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the bacon grease, sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add potatoes: Stir in diced potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, letting them brown slightly.
- Season & simmer: Add ranch seasoning, thyme, rosemary, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover & cook: Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until potatoes begin to soften.
- Add green beans: Stir in green beans and cook another 10–15 minutes, covered, until everything is tender.
- Finish & serve: Stir in the crispy bacon. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm and rustic!
🌟 Tips for Success
- Cut potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Stir gently so the green beans stay crisp-tender, not mushy.
- Let flavors meld: Rest the dish covered for 5 minutes before serving.
- Make it a meal: Add shredded chicken or smoked sausage to bulk it up.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This dish pairs beautifully with other comforting mains or makes a delicious centerpiece. Try it alongside:
- Easy Turkey Wings for a full Sunday supper
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage for a Southern flavor duo
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo when you want bold and smoky flavor everywhere
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fusion twist
- Dorito Casserole for the ultimate comfort food mashup night
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: In a skillet with a splash of broth, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Freezer: Not ideal—green beans and potatoes can become mushy after thawing.
🥔 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Dorito Casserole
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
💬 Final Thoughts
Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—savory, filling, and filled with down-home flavor. Whether you’re making it as a hearty side or the star of the table, it’s a dish that’ll bring everyone back for seconds.
Tried it? Share your version and tag @chefmaniac—we’d love to see how you make this country classic your own!
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