That sounds like a perfect side dish! Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is hearty, flavorful, and the perfect balance of savory and creamy. Here’s a recipe to make this comforting dish:
Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great), peeled and diced
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (you can also use frozen)
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (or use homemade ranch seasoning, see below)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for a creamy texture)
- 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside to drain on paper towels.
- Once cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
- Prepare the vegetables:
- In the same skillet (leave the bacon drippings for extra flavor), add the diced potatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes start to brown and soften slightly.
- Add the onion and garlic:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the potatoes. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Cook the green beans:
- Add the green beans to the skillet with the potatoes and onions. Pour in about 1/2 cup of water or broth, cover the skillet, and allow the green beans to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re tender but still bright green.
- Make it creamy:
- Once the green beans and potatoes are cooked, stir in the ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, milk, and butter. Stir everything together until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. You can add more milk if you’d like a thinner sauce.
- Finish the dish:
- Crumble the bacon back into the skillet and stir it into the vegetables. Taste the dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Serve:
- Serve the Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Optional Add-ins or Variations:
- Cheese: You can stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy bite.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill can be added for extra flavor.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give a little heat to the dish.
- Other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to make the dish even heartier.
Storage:
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and makes for great leftovers. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
This dish is a great side for almost any meal, especially grilled meats or roasts. Let me know if you need any other ideas or variations!