Description
Craving a hearty, Southern-inspired side dish or one-pot meal that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion like Valentine’s Day? Slow Cooker Country Ranch Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon is your answer! Adapted from the original stovetop recipe, this slow cooker version combines tender green beans, baby potatoes, smoky bacon, and a zesty ranch seasoning blend, all simmered in a savory broth
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans (1 lb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces):
- Why it’s important: Adds crisp-tender texture and vibrant color to the dish.
- Substitutions: Frozen green beans (no need to thaw, reduce cooking time by 30 minutes), or asparagus for a different flavor.
- Baby Potatoes (1 lb, halved or quartered):
- Why it’s important: Provides hearty, starchy texture that absorbs the savory broth.
- Substitutions: Red potatoes, Yukon Gold, or sweet potatoes (adjust cooking time slightly for sweet potatoes).
- Bacon (6 slices, diced):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, savory depth and a crispy contrast.
- Substitutions: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or smoked tempeh for vegetarian (sauté separately if using tempeh).
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped):
- Why it’s important: Brings sweet, savory depth to the base.
- Substitutions: Shallots, leeks, or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Substitutions: ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp garlic paste.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix (1 packet, 1 oz):
- Why it’s important: Adds tangy, herbaceous flavor with notes of dill, parsley, and buttermilk.
- Substitutions: Homemade ranch mix (1 tbsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried chives, ½ tsp salt), or Italian seasoning for a different profile.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides moisture and enhances the savory flavor.
- Substitutions: Vegetable broth, water with a bouillon cube, or low-sodium broth.
- Dried Thyme (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds earthy, herbaceous notes to complement the ranch seasoning.
- Substitutions: Fresh thyme (1 tbsp), or oregano.
- Dried Rosemary (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings woody, aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Substitutions: Fresh rosemary (1 tbsp), or sage.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the vegetables and bacon.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp, optional):
- Why it’s important: Used if bacon is lean to sauté onions and garlic.
- Substitutions: Butter, avocado oil, or omit if bacon fat is sufficient.
- Fresh Parsley, Oregano, or Basil (optional, for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and pop of color.
- Substitutions: Chives, cilantro, or omit.
Tip: Use fresh green beans for the best texture, and choose a high-quality bacon for maximum flavor impact.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 diced bacon slices until crispy, about 8–10 minutes.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Reserve 1–2 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet for sautéing (or use 1 tbsp olive oil if bacon is lean).
- Tip: Cook bacon in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- In the same skillet with bacon fat (or olive oil), add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Sauté over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Set aside.
- Tip: Scrape up any bacon bits in the skillet for extra flavor while sautéing.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- Add 1 lb trimmed and cut green beans and 1 lb halved or quartered baby potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic, then pour in 1 cup chicken broth.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Tip: Layer potatoes on the bottom for even cooking, as they take slightly longer than green beans.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the green beans and potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Check doneness at the lower end of the time to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary.
- Tip: Stir halfway through if possible to ensure even cooking, but avoid overmixing to keep vegetables intact.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Stir in the crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish or serve directly from the slow cooker, garnished with fresh parsley, oregano, or basil for a vibrant finish.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a standalone meal, ideally with cornbread or a protein like roasted chicken.
- Tip: If the dish is too liquidy, cook uncovered on high for 10–15 minutes to reduce the broth
