A comforting Southern-inspired dish that combines tender green beans, buttery baby potatoes, and crispy bacon, all brought together with the bold flavor of ranch seasoning. This one-pan favorite delivers a rustic and satisfying experience that pairs perfectly with a variety of mains or can stand alone with a slice of crusty bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and the punch of ranch seasoning elevates classic green beans to a new level. It’s a one-pan solution that’s both filling and delicious, with a homestyle taste that appeals to all ages.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh green beans, trimmed
- Baby potatoes, halved
- Thick-cut bacon, chopped
- Small onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet. Add the halved baby potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and fork-tender.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Return the green beans and cooked bacon to the skillet. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and toss everything together.
- Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, either as a robust side dish or a stand-alone meal with crusty bread.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Parmesan just before serving.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary with the potatoes for added aroma.
- Meat-Free Option: Omit bacon and sauté potatoes in butter or plant-based oil for a vegetarian version.
- Additional Veggies: Include carrots or bell peppers for a more colorful and nutrient-rich dish.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Add a splash of water or olive oil if the dish appears too dry.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh green beans are recommended for optimal texture, but canned can be used in a pinch—just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Is ranch seasoning very salty?
Ranch seasoning can be salty; taste before adding additional salt to the dish to avoid over-seasoning.
Can I use red potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, red potatoes work well—just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What can I use instead of bacon?
Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives can be used for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Does this dish freeze well?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Can I bake this instead of cooking it on the stove?
You can transfer the sautéed mixture to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp it up further.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, just ensure your ranch seasoning mix does not contain dairy, or make a homemade dairy-free version.
What dishes go well with this recipe?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roast pork, or pan-seared fish for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is a rustic, flavorful dish that brings together simple ingredients for maximum satisfaction. Whether you serve it as a hearty side or a standalone skillet meal, its savory, homestyle appeal makes it a dependable go-to for family dinners and gatherings alike.
PrintCountry Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
A hearty and flavorful Southern-style side dish featuring tender green beans, golden baby potatoes, and smoky bacon, all tossed in savory ranch seasoning for the perfect comfort food bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the bacon grease in the skillet, then add the halved potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for about 12–15 minutes until golden and fork-tender.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Return the green beans and bacon to the skillet, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix, and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve hot as a side or even a main dish with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use red or gold baby potatoes for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust ranch seasoning to taste based on sodium preference.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg