If you’re craving a down-home, hearty dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet cozy enough for Sunday dinner, this Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is about to become your new favorite. Fresh green beans, baby potatoes, and smoky bacon simmer together in a ranch-seasoned broth, creating a one-pot meal bursting with rustic, comforting flavors.
Growing up, green beans and potatoes were a staple on the table, especially when they were seasoned with herbs and enriched by smoky bacon. This version takes it up a notch by adding ranch seasoning, infusing the dish with even more flavor. Whether you serve it with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even on its own, this dish will become a family go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
- Classic comfort food
- One-pot meal for easy cleanup
- Loaded with flavor thanks to ranch, herbs, and bacon
- Customizable with extra veggies
- Perfect year-round — warm and cozy in winter, fresh and light for summer
- Kid-friendly and budget-friendly
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if bacon is lean)
Optional Ingredients
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick
- Shredded cheddar cheese for richness
- Corn, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition
- Fresh parsley, oregano, or basil for garnish
How to Make Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, letting it drain while reserving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat in the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. If your bacon is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to ensure the veggies cook properly.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans and Potatoes
Toss in the trimmed green beans and the halved or quartered baby potatoes. Stir to combine everything with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the vegetables in all that delicious flavor.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, dried thyme, and dried rosemary over the vegetables. Stir well to distribute the seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the green beans and potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the crispy cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
If desired, garnish with fresh parsley, oregano, or basil for a colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy, savory bite!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh green beans if possible for the best flavor and texture, but frozen works too
- Cut the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Don’t skip the bacon — it’s key to the smoky flavor
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the salt
- Add extra veggies like corn or carrots for more color and nutrients
Serving Suggestions
This dish is amazing on its own, but also pairs perfectly with:
- Roasted or grilled chicken
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Meatloaf
- A simple garden salad
- Fresh cornbread
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes — just add a few extra minutes of cooking time since they release more moisture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon, use vegetable broth, and consider adding mushrooms for a savory note.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Sure! Brown the bacon and onions first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you try this Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon, I’d love to see how it turns out! Share a photo or leave a comment — it always makes my day to hear about your home-cooked meals.
Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes halved or quartered
- 6 slices of bacon diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, if bacon is lean
Optional Ingredients
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick
- Shredded cheddar cheese for richness
- Corn carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition
- Fresh parsley oregano, or basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, letting it drain while reserving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat in the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. If your bacon is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to ensure the veggies cook properly.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans and Potatoes
- Toss in the trimmed green beans and the halved or quartered baby potatoes. Stir to combine everything with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the vegetables in all that delicious flavor.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, dried thyme, and dried rosemary over the vegetables. Stir well to distribute the seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the green beans and potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Return the crispy cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley, oregano, or basil for a colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy, savory bite!
Leave a Comment