Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

If you’re searching for a dish that combines the best of hearty comfort food with easy weeknight cooking, look no further than Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon. This dish is a true southern classic — packed with flavor from crispy bacon, tender baby potatoes, and fresh green beans all seasoned with savory ranch seasoning. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping a side dish for a potluck, this recipe delivers every time. It’s simple, satisfying, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses everyday ingredients but brings big flavor. Here’s what you need:

  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 small onion (chopped), minced garlic, fresh parsley for garnish

Kitchen Tools

You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe — just basic kitchen tools:

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients

    Start by rinsing the green beans and trimming off the ends. Slice the baby potatoes in half — if they’re larger, quarter them for faster cooking. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using onion or garlic, have those ready to go too.

  2. Cook the Bacon

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet — that’s liquid gold for flavor!

  3. Sauté the Potatoes

    Add the halved baby potatoes to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown on the outside and fork-tender inside. If the skillet gets too dry, add a drizzle of olive oil.

  4. Add Green Beans and Ranch Seasoning

    Once the potatoes are nearly cooked, toss in the trimmed green beans. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to coat the veggies in all that flavor. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender but still have a bit of snap.

  5. Combine and Serve

    Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot as a side dish or a light main course.

Tips and Variations

  • Speed up cooking by steaming the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet.
  • Swap proteins by using turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives.
  • Add heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
  • Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan over the top right before serving.
  • Make it a one-pot meal by tossing in cooked chicken or sausage.

Nutritional Info (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbs: 22g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: Varies by bacon and ranch seasoning

This dish is a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats — perfect as a comforting side or a light meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best flavor to add to green beans?

Green beans are incredibly versatile and soak up flavors beautifully. Aside from ranch seasoning, flavors like garlic, onion, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and butter work wonders. For a savory twist, bacon or smoked paprika adds depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also enhance their natural taste.

When to add potatoes to green beans?

In this recipe, potatoes need a longer cooking time than green beans. Start by cooking the potatoes first until they’re nearly tender, then add the green beans. This way, everything finishes cooking together and nothing is overcooked or underdone.

What is the difference between French style green beans and cut green beans?

French-style green beans, or haricots verts, are thinner, longer, and more tender than regular cut green beans. They cook faster and have a slightly more delicate flavor. Cut green beans are thicker and chunkier, typically cut into 1-2 inch pieces. Both can be used in this recipe — just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Are green beans and potatoes good for you?

Yes! Green beans are low in calories, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and a good source of fiber. Potatoes provide potassium, vitamin C, and are also high in fiber, especially if you leave the skin on. This dish, especially when balanced with protein like bacon, can be part of a nutritious meal — just moderate the bacon and seasoning for a healthier version.

Let’s try it

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to — it’s easy, affordable, and packed with bold, comforting flavors. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or as a quick weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, with just one skillet and simple prep, cleanup is a breeze. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your version in the comments below or tag us on social media — we’d love to see how it turned out!

More

If you’re a fan of hearty dishes like this, be sure to explore more comfort food recipes on QuicklyTaste. For a cozy side, try their Chili’s Baked Potato Soup — it’s rich, creamy, and pairs perfectly with bacon-infused meals. Another great option is the Chicken and Green Bean Casserole, a flavorful dish that also features green beans in a comforting baked format. For those who love southern-inspired sides, don’t miss the Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, a perfect complement to your main course. Looking to make your own ranch seasoning from scratch? Check out this helpful homemade ranch mix recipe from AllRecipes. These resources will inspire you to expand your recipe repertoire and bring even more flavor to your table!

Country Ranch Green Beans And Potatoes With Bacon

Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

This hearty Southern-style dish blends crispy bacon, tender baby potatoes, and green beans seasoned with ranch for a comfort food classic. Great as a side dish or light main, it’s packed with savory flavor and easy to make in one skillet.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed
  • 1 lb baby potatoes halved or quartered
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • optional additions chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Rinse and trim green beans. Halve or quarter baby potatoes. Chop bacon and optional onion/garlic.
  • In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy (5–7 min). Remove and set aside, leaving grease in pan.
  • Add potatoes to the bacon grease. Sauté 10–12 min until golden and fork-tender. Add olive oil if needed.
  • Add green beans, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cover. Cook 8–10 min until beans are tender-crisp.
  • Return bacon to the skillet. Mix well. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Steam potatoes before sautéing to reduce cook time. Try turkey bacon or make it vegetarian. Add cheese or cooked meat to make it a full meal!
Keyword Bacon, Green Beans, Potatoes, Ranch