BACON RANCH GREEN BEANS POTATOES ULTIMATE

Craving a side dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Imagine tender potatoes and crisp green beans mingling with smoky bacon and tangy ranch dressing – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will elevate any meal! This recipe for Bacon Ranch Green Beans & Potatoes is your ticket to side-dish nirvana, and I promise it’s easier than you think.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Green Beans:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Bacon Ranch Goodness:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated!
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

1. Roast the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans

1. While the potatoes are roasting, steam or blanch the green beans until they are bright green and crisp-tender (about 5-7 minutes). If steaming, use a steamer basket over boiling water. If blanching, drop them into boiling water for 3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes, seasoning with salt.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. In a large bowl, combine the roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
2. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
3. If desired, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using) and the mixture is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Bacon Ranch Green Beans & Potatoes!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Bacon Ranch Green Beans & Potatoes

Okay, friend, let’s talk about some ways to make this recipe even *more* amazing. Because that’s what best friends do, right? Share secrets to culinary success!

• Potato Perfection: Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for this recipe because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well when roasted. But, feel free to experiment with other varieties like red potatoes or even baby potatoes (halved or quartered, depending on size).
• Green Bean Game: Fresh green beans are always the best option for this recipe. However, if you’re short on time, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before sautéing.
• Bacon Bliss: Crispy bacon is key! I like to cook my bacon in the oven for even cooking and less mess. You can also use bacon bits if you’re really in a pinch, but trust me, the real deal is worth it.
• Ranch Revelation: Store-bought ranch is totally fine, but if you want to take this recipe to the next level, try making your own! It’s surprisingly easy and you can customize the flavor to your liking. There are tons of recipes online.
• Cheese Please (or Not): The cheddar cheese is optional, but it adds a nice melty, cheesy element to the dish. You could also try other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the potatoes before roasting or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting the potatoes, make sure they’re spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan will cause them to steam instead of roast, resulting in less crispy potatoes.

Variations: Putting Your Own Spin on It

This recipe is fantastic as is, but don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch!

• Add Protein: Make it a complete meal by adding cooked chicken, sausage, or even shrimp.
• Veggie Power: Toss in other veggies like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Creamy Dreamy: For an even creamier dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese along with the ranch dressing.
• Herb Heaven: Experiment with different herbs like dill, chives, or oregano.
• Make it a Casserole: Layer the potatoes, green beans, bacon, and ranch in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Masterpiece

Bacon Ranch Green Beans & Potatoes is the perfect side dish for so many meals! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Grilled Chicken or Steak: This side dish complements grilled meats perfectly.
• Pork Chops: A classic combination that never disappoints.
• Meatloaf: Comfort food at its finest.
• Salmon: A surprisingly delicious pairing!
• As Part of a Holiday Feast: Adds a unique and flavorful touch to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.

More Delicious Potato & Green Bean Recipes to Explore

If you loved this recipe, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more of my favorite potato and green bean recipes that I think you’ll enjoy:

• Try a creamy and comforting Potatoes Au Gratin Irresistible Perfection for an elegant side.
• For a slow cooker option, check out Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes.
• For a holiday classic with a twist, look at Green Bean Casserole.
• Enjoy a Ultimate French Onion Potatoes Au Gratin for a rich and decadent flavor.
• You might also love Garlic Butter Potato Perfection for a simpler, but equally delicious, side.

And don’t forget to check out Creamy Crock Pot Ranch Chicken for a main course to perfectly pair with these sides!

Storing and Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so darn good!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storing: Let the Bacon Ranch Green Beans & Potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crispy.

Conclusion: Time to Dig In!

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Bacon Ranch Green Beans & Potatoes! I’m confident that this dish will become a new favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Now go forth and create some deliciousness!

Bacon Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes Ultimate

This Bacon Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is a flavorful and comforting side dish that combines tender potatoes, crisp green beans, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch dressing. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that elevates any meal with its delicious symphony of textures and tastes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Baking sheet
• Steamer basket (optional)
• Large pot (optional)
• Ice bath (optional)
• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated!
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly golden brown, flipping halfway through.
5. While the potatoes are roasting, steam or blanch the green beans until they are bright green and crisp-tender (about 5-7 minutes). If steaming, use a steamer basket over boiling water. If blanching, drop them into boiling water for 3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
6. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes, seasoning with salt.
7. In a large bowl, combine the roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
9. If desired, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.
10. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using) and the mixture is heated through.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. Fresh green beans are preferred, but frozen can be used if thawed and dried. Cook bacon until crispy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. Variations include adding cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp; other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms; sour cream or cream cheese for a creamier dish; different herbs like dill or chives; or making it a casserole.