Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n’ Potatoes:

Introduction

Looking for a hearty and comforting side dish that screams down-home cooking? Look no further than Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n’ Potatoes! This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the freshness of green beans with the satisfying heartiness of potatoes, all coated in a creamy, tangy ranch-infused sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make. We’ll walk you through each step to create this delicious classic!

Main Sections

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and trim the green beans. Peel and cube the Yukon gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This helps thicken the sauce.
4. Add Liquids and Ranch: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Then, whisk in the milk and the ranch dressing mix. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook the Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the simmering sauce. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Add the Green Beans: Stir in the trimmed green beans. Cook until the green beans are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot as a comforting side dish.

Tips and Variations

• For Bacon Lovers: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the skillet along with the green beans for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese Please!: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese over the dish during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
• Type of Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are great, but red potatoes or russet potatoes can also be used. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Frozen Green Beans: If you don’t have fresh green beans, you can use frozen. Add them during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Store leftover Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n’ Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Conclusion

Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n’ Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a taste of home-style goodness!