Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon – Ultimate Comfort Food

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon Ultimate Comfort Food

Are you searching for a hearty, flavorful side dish that perfectly complements your favorite main course? Look no further! Our Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon recipe is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, savory bacon, and aromatic herbs that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a holiday feast, or simply craving a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that bring comfort to your table. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon, savory ranch seasoning, and fresh vegetables creates a harmonious blend of tastes.
  • Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weeknight meals.
  • Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this recipe accessible even for beginner cooks.
  • High in Nutrients: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein, making it a balanced addition to any meal.
  • Cost-effective: utilizing affordable ingredients without compromising on taste or quality.

By following our detailed guide, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results that impress your guests and satisfy your palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 4 cups baby potatoes (or 4 large, 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 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil (optional)

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfect results every time.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

Before we begin, let’s outline the essential timings and yields:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Cooking Bacon to Perfection

Step 1: Cook Bacon

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for about 2 minutes.

2. Add Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the skillet. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

3. Cook Until Crispy: Stir occasionally, cooking the bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispiness, typically 6-8 minutes.

4. Remove and Set Aside: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. This step allows excess fat to drain, enhancing the bacon’s texture.

5. Reserve Bacon Drippings: Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet. These flavorful oils will serve as the base for sautéing your vegetables, adding depth to the dish.

Cooking Hack: For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes. This method ensures even cooking and minimizes mess.

Sautéing Aromatics for Maximum Flavor

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

1. Add Aromatics: To the bacon drippings in the skillet, add the diced onion.

2. Cook Until Softened: Sauté the onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and fragrant.

3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Home Tip: To enhance the aroma, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice after sautéing the onions. This adds a subtle acidity that brightens the dish.

Perfectly Cooked Potatoes and Green Beans

Step 3: Cook Potatoes

1. Add Potatoes: Introduce the diced baby potatoes to the skillet. If using large potatoes, ensure they are peeled and uniformly diced for even cooking.

2. Sauté Potatoes: Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. This step allows the potatoes to start browning, adding a lovely caramelized flavor.

3. Optional Olive Oil: If desired, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes before sautéing to enhance richness and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Green Beans

1. Incorporate Green Beans: Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the skillet with the potatoes.

2. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. These herbs infuse the dish with aromatic flavors that complement the vegetables and bacon.

3. Pour in Chicken Broth: Slowly pour the chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring the vegetables are partially submerged. This liquid will help tenderize the vegetables and create a flavorful base.

Cooking Tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. This simple change maintains the dish’s richness without the meat.

Simmering to Tenderness

Step 5: Simmer

1. Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

2. Cover and Reduce Heat: Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. This allows the vegetables to cook evenly and absorb the seasoning.

3. Cook Until Tender: Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and green beans are tender. Check occasionally to prevent overcooking.

Food Hack: To speed up cooking, parboil the potatoes in boiling water for 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This reduces the overall cook time and ensures perfectly tender potatoes.

Finishing Touches with Crispy Bacon

Step 6: Finish Dish

1. Stir in Bacon: Once the vegetables are tender, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked bacon, distributing it evenly throughout the dish.

2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, bacon is naturally salty, so add salt cautiously.

3. Optional Garnishes: For an extra touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top before serving. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a pleasant kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestion: Serve this dish warm as a side to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread.

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon FB

 

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