Description: Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is a hearty and flavorful side dish that combines tender green beans, creamy potatoes, and crispy bacon, all seasoned with a delicious ranch-inspired seasoning mix. This dish is perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or as a comforting side to any main course. The savory bacon and the tangy ranch seasoning elevate the vegetables, making it an irresistible addition to your meal.
Origin: This dish is a comforting Southern-style favorite, drawing on classic American ingredients like bacon, potatoes, and green beans. The use of ranch seasoning adds a familiar, tangy twist, which has become popular in American cuisine, especially for its versatility in flavoring vegetables, meats, and salads.
Ingredients (for 4-6 servings):
For the Dish:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ranch Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving a small amount of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook the potatoes and green beans: Add the diced potatoes and green beans to the skillet. Stir everything together, then add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked to your liking.
- Season the dish: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the ranch seasoning mix, dried dill (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine and allow the seasoning to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add the bacon: Stir the crispy bacon back into the skillet, reserving a little for garnish if desired. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining crispy bacon. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Enjoy: This savory, hearty side dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a light salad.
Tips for Success:
- Customizable seasoning: If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can make your own by combining dried parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier version, add a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or heavy cream toward the end of cooking for extra richness.
- More veggies: You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the mix for extra color and flavor.
Recommendations:
- This dish pairs perfectly with a grilled steak, roast chicken, or even as part of a potluck spread.
- For a lighter version, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, or opt for a plant-based bacon alternative.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is a savory, comforting dish that brings together the best of earthy vegetables and smoky bacon, all enhanced by the tangy flavor of ranch seasoning. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal!
