Every time I serve country ranch green beans and potatoes it steals the show!
Fork-tender potatoes, sweet onions, and humble green beans meld with zesty ranch seasoning. And just when you think it can’t get any better, crumbled bacon tops it off.
But there’s a secret that truly takes it over the top—bacon grease! That rich, savory goodness makes every bite irresistible.
It’s simple, satisfying, and downright comforting.
Why You’ll Love These Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes
Homestyle Comfort: This easy side brings a cozy, country-style feel to your table. It’s comforting just like grandma’s cooking!
Simple Steps: All you need to do is boil the potatoes and beans, and fry the bacon until crisp. Toss it all together in a skillet and it’s ready to go.
Hearty & Savory: Crispy bacon, buttery potatoes, tender green beans, and ranch seasoning create an irresistible savory, hearty down-home dish.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this Southern side stretches your dollar.
Ingredients
- Green Beans: I like fresh but you can use canned. They won’t need boiling, though. Just drain and add to the skillet.
- Red Potatoes: Waxy potatoes with a creamy texture that holds their shape when cooking.
- Ranch Salad Dressing Mix: You can’t have the country ranch flavor without it! It adds the most delicious savory taste.
- Bacon: For a smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
- Butter & Oil: To crisp the potatoes and add a deep, rich flavor.
- Diced Onion: Adds a slightly sweet flavor for more depth.
- Black Pepper: Provides a subtle kick that enhances the dish.
How to Make Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes
Good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just take it from this delicious, down-home dish!
Check out the simple steps:
1. BOIL the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and allow to drain in a colander.
2. BLANCH the green beans in the same boiling water for 5–7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
3. COOK the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. SAUTÉ the onions in the bacon grease for 5–8 minutes, until tender.
5. ADD the oil and butter, stir to melt, then spread the potatoes in an even layer. Cook for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
6. STIR in the green beans, Ranch mix, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the green beans are warmed through.
7. TOP with crumbled bacon, serve warm, and enjoy!
Tips For the Best Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes
From BBQ ribs to fried catfish, this dish pairs well with a range of proteins.
And it’s perfect for just about any gathering. Sunday suppers, easy family dinners, potlucks – you name it!
It’s simple enough to throw together, but I still have a few helpful tips.
- Fresh vs canned. I think fresh beans have more bite, but the dish tastes just as good with canned.
- Size matters. Cut the potatoes in half or leave them whole if they’re small. They should be around the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Enhance with citrus. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
- Spice it up! Add hot sauce like Tabasco or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Nix the meat. For a vegan version, omit the bacon and use plant-based butter and olive oil instead. You’ll need to add salt in this case.
- Try add-ins. Add diced bell peppers, fresh garlic, or even shredded cheese. You can also swap bacon for ham or sausage.
- Serving suggestions. Pair this dish with roasted chicken, turkey, pork chops, steak, or catfish for a hearty meal.
How to Store
This dish tastes best when served hot from the skillet. But those leftovers are sure darn tasty too!
To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Note: I don’t recommend freezing leftovers as the potatoes will change texture when thawed.
More Green Bean Recipes You Have to Try
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Green Bean Salad
Oven-Roasted Green Beans
Green Bean Casserole
Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes
8
servings10
minutes40
minutes141
kcalCountry ranch green beans and potatoes with crispy bacon is the Southern side you never knew you needed. It’s simple yet totally satisfying.
Ingredients
2 pounds red potatoes, cut in half
1 pound green beans, trimmed
6 slices bacon
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 (1 ounce) packet dry Ranch seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until fork tender.
- Remove the potatoes from the pot to a colander with a slotted spoon. Leave to drain and steam.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- While the potatoes cook, add the bacon slices to a large skillet in a single layer. Turn the heat to medium and cook until crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook in the bacon grease for 5-8 minutes until tender.
- Add the oil and butter and stir until melted. Then, add the potatoes, spreading them out in an even layer. Cook for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they develop a golden crust.
- Add the green beans, followed by the Ranch mix and black pepper. Stir to coat the veggies evenly in the seasonings. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are warmed through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and crumble the bacon over the top. Gently toss to combine if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh vs canned. I think fresh beans have more bite, but the dish tastes just as good with canned. Drain and add them to the skillet – no need to boil.
- Size matters. Cut the potatoes in half or leave them whole if they’re small. They should be around the same size to ensure even cooking.
