Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food

Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon is a classic comfort food that blends tender potatoes, fresh green beans, and crispy bacon into a single hearty dish. This recipe is a versatile side or main dish that pairs well with almost any meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday spread, this dish is guaranteed to please. With its smoky, savory flavors and a perfect mix of textures, this timeless recipe is as comforting as it is delicious.

This detailed guide will walk you through how to prepare this dish perfectly every time. We’ll also include tips for customization, variations, preparation methods, and even how to serve it for different occasions.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Leave the skins on for added flavor and texture, or peel them if you prefer.

Trim the green beans, removing any stems, and rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.

Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Leave 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor (or substitute with olive oil if you prefer).

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Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced potatoes. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Green Beans

While the potatoes cook, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.

Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the potatoes and onions. Stir to combine.

Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, stirring it into the mixture. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon to a serving dish.

1. Optional: Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and high-quality bacon make all the difference in flavor.

Blanch the Beans: Blanching the green beans helps retain their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture.

Bacon Alternatives: For a healthier option, substitute bacon with turkey bacon or pancetta. You can also omit bacon entirely and use olive oil for a vegetarian version.

Even Cooking: Cut the potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavor.

Variations

Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving for a creamy, cheesy version.

Add Protein: Make this dish a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, sausage, or tofu.

Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley during cooking.

Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing. Add toasted almonds or walnuts for a nutty crunch.

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Grilled or roasted chicken

Baked fish or shrimp

Barbecue ribs or pulled pork

A fresh garden salad and crusty bread

Calories and Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximately):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Bacon recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavor. The crispy bacon adds a smoky richness, while the tender potatoes and green beans create a hearty and satisfying texture. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive holiday feasts.