Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet: For cooking the green beans and potatoes.
• Cutting board and knife: For prepping the vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Serving dish: For presenting the finished dish.

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How to Make Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes

1. In the same skillet, add the baby potatoes. If needed, add olive oil to coat the potatoes.
2. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fork-tender.

Step 3: Add the Green Beans

1. Once the potatoes are nearly cooked, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the vegetables and stir to combine. If using, add the chicken broth or water to help steam the green beans.
3. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Once the green beans are cooked, return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and transfer to a serving dish.

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Tips and Variations

Make It Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use olive oil for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish. You can add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

Potato Varieties: While baby potatoes work well, you can also use red or Yukon gold potatoes. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or carrots for added color and nutrition.

Flavor Enhancements: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store any leftover Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a complete meal.
• Seafood: Pair with baked or grilled fish for a light and satisfying dinner.
• Salads: Offer a fresh green salad as a starter for a balanced meal.

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