Winter brings a chill that’s hard to shake. A warm, comforting meal is just what you need. Finding time to cook a tasty dinner can seem impossible. But, this Potato Bacon and Green Bean Recipe is easy and will be a hit with your family.
This dish is a one-pan wonder. It has crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh green beans. Prep time is just 15 minutes, and cooking takes 25 minutes. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time, perfect for enjoying with your family.
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Why This Comfort Food Recipe Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
Potato Bacon and Green Bean is a classic comfort food dish loved by many. It’s a family favorite because of its perfect mix of flavors and textures. You get crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh green beans all in one savory dish.
Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
The recipe starts with 5-6 slices of chopped bacon for a smoky, salty taste. It also includes 1 lb of fresh green beans, trimmed, for a crisp and sweet touch. To add more flavor, it uses 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 ½ cups of chicken or vegetable stock, and ½-3/4 lb of red potatoes, quartered.
This mix of ingredients creates a delicious and satisfying comfort food experience.
Time-Saving One-Pot Meal Solution
Potato Bacon and Green Bean is a quick and easy one-pot meal. The green beans cook for 20 minutes with the stock and other ingredients. The potatoes take 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender.
This method saves time and makes cooking a breeze. It’s perfect for a busy family looking for a quick and tasty meal. You can make it in a skillet or slow cooker.
Try the Potato Bacon and Green Bean recipe and watch it become a favorite in your home.
Essential Ingredients for Potato Bacon and Green Bean Recipe
To make the perfect potato recipes, bacon recipes, and green bean recipes, you need a few key ingredients. Start with 6 slices of bacon, like maple or applewood smoked. This adds a sweet-savory taste.
Add 3 tablespoons of butter for a rich, creamy base. Dice 1 red onion for a deep aroma. Use 2 pounds of fresh green beans for color and crunch.
Choose 8 small new potatoes, like Yukon Golds or German Butterballs. They keep their shape and texture well. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, and white balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
To make it vegetarian, just skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. The goal is to use fresh, quality ingredients for a delicious dish.
The secret to this potato bacon and green bean recipe is finding the right mix of flavors and textures. With the right balance, you’ll create a dish everyone will love.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the tasty Potato Bacon and Green Bean Recipe, you need some basic kitchen tools. From pots and pans to measuring cups, the right tools help get the flavors and textures just right.
Essential Cookware
You’ll need a big skillet with a lid or a 5-quart slow cooker. This will be where you cook the bacon, veggies, and simmer the dish. A slotted spoon and paper towels are also useful for handling and draining fat.
Optional Kitchen Gadgets
Some optional gadgets can make cooking easier. A vegetable trimmer or paring knife helps with green bean prep. A garlic press makes mincing garlic a breeze.
Measuring Tools
Getting the right amounts of each ingredient is crucial. You’ll use measuring cups and spoons for the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and more. These help ensure the dish tastes just right.
Kitchen Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
Large Skillet with Lid or 5-Quart Slow Cooker | Main cooking vessel for sautéing, searing, and simmering |
Slotted Spoon | Handling and removing the cooked bacon |
Paper Towels | Draining excess bacon fat |
Vegetable Trimmer or Paring Knife | Trimming and preparing the green beans |
Garlic Press | Mincing garlic cloves |
Measuring Cups and Spoons | Accurately measuring the ingredients |
With the right tools, you’re ready to make a delicious Potato Bacon and Green Bean dish. Your family will love it.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Follow these easy steps to make the Potato Bacon and Green Bean recipe. It’s a tasty one-pot meal your family will enjoy.
- First, cook chopped bacon in a big pot or Dutch oven until it’s crispy. Drain it on a paper towel and set it aside.
- Next, melt butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until it’s soft, about 5 minutes.
- Then, add cooked bacon, green beans, potatoes, garlic, and chicken broth. Let it boil.
- After boiling, lower the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes. This will make the green beans and potatoes tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use 2 teaspoons of Better Than Bouillon chicken base or 2 tablespoons of bouillon powder for extra flavor.
For slow cooker fans, mix all ingredients except bacon in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cooked bacon just before serving.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Bacon, chopped | 4 quarts |
Butter | 1 pound |
Yellow onion, chopped | 1 |
Green beans, trimmed and halved | 1 1/2 pounds |
Red potatoes, quartered | 1 pound |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Chicken broth | 2 teaspoons of Better Than Bouillon or 2 tablespoons of bouillon powder |
Seasoned salt and black pepper | To taste |
Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. Try different potatoes, seasonings, or swap the smoked turkey leg for ham hocks or turkey wings for a new flavor.
Cooking Techniques and Tips for Perfect Results
To get the perfect flavors and textures in your Potato Bacon and Green Bean recipe, you need to know a few tricks. Learning the best ways to cook bacon and how to prepare vegetables is key. These tips will help you make a dish that everyone will love.
Bacon Cooking Methods
The bacon in this dish adds a smoky flavor that’s amazing. To cook it right, use medium heat and stir it now and then until it’s crispy and golden. This way, the fat melts out, making the dish even more flavorful.
Vegetable Preparation Secrets
Getting the vegetables ready is very important for this recipe. Make sure to wash and trim the green beans, then cut them into 2-inch pieces for even cooking. Don’t overcook the potatoes – they should be tender but still firm.
Temperature Control Tips
Keeping the right temperature is crucial for the perfect texture. After boiling, simmer the ingredients over low heat for 25-30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and the vegetables get tender. But don’t overcook, or the potatoes will fall apart and the green beans will get mushy.
By following these cooking techniques and tips, you’ll make a Potato Bacon and Green Bean recipe that looks great and tastes amazing. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
The Potato Bacon and Green Bean Recipe is a nutritious meal for your family. It’s not just tasty but also full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These nutrients are good for your health.
One serving of this recipe has 189 calories, 7g of fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 7g of protein. It’s also rich in Vitamin C (38mg) and potassium (688mg). Plus, it gives you 22% of your daily fiber needs. This makes it a healthy choice for a family meal.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 189 | – |
Total Fat | 7g | 9% |
Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
Protein | 7g | 14% |
Vitamin C | 38mg | 42% |
Potassium | 688mg | 15% |
Dietary Fiber | 6g | 22% |
Green beans are a nutritional superstar. They’re full of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants. These help your heart, reduce inflammation, and boost your overall health. This recipe is a nutritious and satisfying option for your family.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Options
This delightful Potato Bacon and Green Bean recipe is a versatile dish. It pairs wonderfully with many main courses. You can serve it as a side dish or a main meal on its own.
For a complete dinner, pair it with your favorite beef, pork, or poultry dishes.
Complementary Main Dishes
- Pot Roast
- Pork Loin or Pork Chops
- Roasted Chicken
- Grilled Steak
The hearty mix of potatoes, bacon, and green beans goes great with these classic main dishes. It makes for a well-balanced and comforting meal. You can also serve it with a simple sandwich for a quick lunch or dinner.
Beverage Pairings
The bold flavors of this dish pair well with many beverages. Try it with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a lighter option. For a heartier pairing, a full-bodied red wine or a craft beer is also great.
Regardless of how you serve it, this Potato Bacon and Green Bean recipe will be a family favorite. Its perfect balance of flavors and textures, along with its convenience as a one-pot meal, make it a go-to side dish or dinner idea. It will satisfy your cravings for side dish recipes, meal pairings, and delicious dinner ideas.
Storage and Leftover Management
This Potato Bacon and Green Bean dish is perfect for leftovers. Just put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can even store it in the slow cooker pot, covered, for easy reheating.
Freezing isn’t recommended because the potatoes might change texture. But, you can enjoy the leftovers cold the next day. This makes it great for meal prep. Pack the leftovers in individual portions for a tasty solution on busy days.
Enjoying this dish fresh or as leftovers, it’s always a hit. It’s a wholesome, flavorful comfort food that will satisfy your cravings.