Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon 

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.

2. Prepare the Potatoes and Green Beans:

• While the bacon is cooking, peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Trim and cut the green beans into 1-2 inch pieces. If using frozen green beans, be sure to thaw them first.

3. Sauté the Potatoes:

• In the same skillet (with the bacon grease still in the pan), add the diced potatoes and sauté them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn, and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The potatoes should begin to soften and turn golden brown around the edges.

4. Add the Green Beans and Broth:

• Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet with the potatoes. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) and add the ranch seasoning packet. Stir everything together to ensure the seasoning is well distributed.

5. Simmer to Tender Perfection:

• Cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes and green beans simmer over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked to your desired level of tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

6. Add the Bacon and Butter:

• Once the potatoes and green beans are tender, stir in the crispy bacon pieces and the tablespoon of butter. The butter will melt into the dish, adding a rich, savory finish. Give everything a final stir to combine.

7. Taste and Adjust:

• Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra ranch seasoning if needed. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bit of brightness, if you like.

8. Garnish and Serve:

• Transfer the green beans and potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why This Dish Works

Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning blend adds a tangy, creamy flavor that works beautifully with the savory bacon and earthy potatoes. It’s a perfect match for the green beans, giving the dish a full-bodied flavor that’s far from bland.

Bacon: The crispy bacon bits add both flavor and texture to the dish. The smoky, salty bacon contrasts wonderfully with the soft potatoes and tender green beans. Plus, the bacon drippings infuse the dish with extra richness.

Potatoes: Potatoes are the perfect base for this dish. They absorb the flavors of the ranch seasoning and bacon drippings, making each bite satisfying and full of flavor. They also provide a hearty texture that pairs well with the tender green beans.

Green Beans: The green beans provide a slight crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the potatoes and bacon. They’re a great way to add some vegetable goodness to the dish while still keeping the overall flavor profile comforting and indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve it with:

• Roast Chicken: The savory flavors of this dish complement a juicy, roasted chicken perfectly. Try it with a simple herb-roasted chicken for a satisfying family dinner.
• Grilled Steak or Pork: Whether you’re grilling up a juicy steak or tender pork chops, this side dish will balance out the rich flavors of the meat and provide some hearty vegetables.
• BBQ Ribs: The smoky, sweet flavor of BBQ ribs pairs wonderfully with the savory ranch potatoes and green beans. It’s a classic comfort food combo.
• Fish: If you’re looking for a lighter option, this dish works well with grilled or baked fish like salmon or tilapia.
• Veggie Version: To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

Customizing the Dish

• Add More Vegetables: You can easily add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, or even corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamier version, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream right before serving.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the dish for a spicy twist.
• Cheese: For a cheesy variation, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.

Conclusion

Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon is the perfect side dish for any meal, combining the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh green beans with a tangy ranch seasoning blend. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a BBQ, or a holiday feast, this dish is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe.

So, next time you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful side, give this recipe a try! It’s comfort food at its best, and it’s bound to be a hit with everyone at the table.