Country Ranch Green Beans

This country-style green bean and potato skillet transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main course. The combination of crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and zesty ranch seasoning creates a dish that tastes like it came straight from a farmhouse kitchen.

This recipe became my go-to dish for family gatherings after my grandmother requested it three times in a row at Sunday dinners. The way the ranch seasoning infuses into the potatoes while they simmer has converted even the most stubborn vegetable avoiders in my family.

Ingredients

• Fresh green beans: Provide a bright, snappy texture and vibrant color. Look for beans that are firm and bright green without blemishes
• Baby potatoes: Have a naturally buttery flavor and hold their shape well. Red or gold varieties work best as they won't fall apart during cooking
• Bacon: Adds smokiness and richness. Choose thick-cut for more substantial bacon pieces throughout the dish
• Yellow onion: Creates a sweet foundation. Choose firm onions with tight, dry outer skin
• Fresh garlic cloves: Offer much more flavor than pre-minced options. Look for firm bulbs without sprouting
• Ranch seasoning mix: Provides instant flavor complexity. The dried herbs and buttermilk components infuse every bite
• Chicken broth: Helps steam the vegetables while adding savory depth. Low sodium varieties let you control the salt level
• Dried herbs: Like thyme and rosemary complement the ranch flavors while adding aromatic woody notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Render Bacon Fat:

Cook the chopped bacon pieces over medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The fat rendered during this process becomes the flavorful foundation for the entire dish, eliminating the need for additional oil in most cases.

Build Flavor Base:

Add the diced onions directly to the hot bacon fat and cook until they become translucent and develop slight caramelization around the edges, about 5 minutes. When the onions are soft, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Watch carefully as garlic burns easily and becomes bitter.

Start The Potatoes:

Add the potatoes to the aromatics and cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring every minute or so. This initial searing helps develop a light golden crust on the potatoes which adds textural contrast and deeper flavor. If the pan seems dry, add a small splash of olive oil.

Combine And Simmer:

Add the green beans to the skillet along with the ranch seasoning and dried herbs, stirring to coat everything evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. The liquid should barely bubble. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low, allowing everything to steam-cook together for 15-20 minutes.

Test For Doneness:

Check the vegetables by piercing a potato with a fork. It should slide in easily but the potato should still hold its shape. The green beans should be tender but maintain a slight bite. If needed, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Final Integration:

Return the crispy bacon to the pan and fold it gently into the vegetable mixture. Let everything sit together for about 2 minutes before serving so the flavors can fully meld. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

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One of the secrets to this dish is allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavors while cooking slowly. My uncle, who claims to hate green beans, took seconds and thirds of this dish at our last family gathering. He later confessed it was the ranch seasoning combined with the bacon that transformed his opinion of green vegetables entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet to avoid excess liquid.

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Baby potatoes or peeled, diced large potatoes work well. Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and flavor.

→ Can I omit the bacon or replace it with something else?

You can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version or replace it with turkey bacon, smoked sausage, or a plant-based alternative.

→ Is there a substitute for the ranch seasoning mix?

Yes, you can make your own by combining dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the dish can be made ahead and reheated. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or simply as a standalone hearty side dish.