Green Beans and Potatoes

Discover a tasty green beans and potatoes recipe with crispy bacon, perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal. A flavorful side dish for all!

A Taste of Comfort: Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe

Green beans and potatoes often come to mind when you think of a side dish that can bring the whole family together. This easy recipe combines tender green beans and red potatoes in a flavorful broth. It's the perfect combination of flavors, especially when adding smoked bacon or meat like ham hocks. In the South, this dish is a favorite for gatherings, especially at Thanksgiving or when serving a hearty meal like meatloaf. The broth is rich and flavorful, a little smoky from the smoked bacon pieces, making it a truly comforting dish.

This dish is not only a side dish but also a meal when paired with cornbread and a salad of vegetables. It's known for its flavor and for being easy to make. Whether you prefer smoking the meat or using something more straightforward like beef or chicken broth, the seasoning and tenderness of the potatoes and green beans create a dish everyone will love. If you want to impress your guests, this dish will surely be a hit, as it's served with a side of cornbread and vegetables, just like a classic Southern meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned all work)
• 1 lb baby potatoes (sliced in halves)
• 1 diced onion
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 6 strips bacon
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp steak seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth

Special Tips:

• If you want extra crispness, cook the bacon a bit longer before adding the onions and garlic.
• Fresh green beans add great texture, but canned or frozen will work if you're in a pinch.

Directions to Make Green Beans and Potatoes:

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and slicing the baby potatoes into halves. If you’re using fresh green beans, trim the ends. Frozen green beans are an excellent option for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand to ensure they cook evenly. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the bacon into small pieces for easy cooking.

Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet or pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.

Sauté the Onion and Potatoes

Add the diced onion and sliced baby potatoes to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.

Add Garlic, Green Beans, and Chicken Broth

Once the onion has started to soften slightly, add the minced garlic to the pan and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, steak seasoning, and sugar, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated. Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the green beans. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors, and bring the mixture to a simmer. This step enhances the dish’s depth of flavor while ensuring the green beans and potatoes cook together perfectly.

Simmer and Cook

Cover the pan and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked through. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Finish and Serve

Once everything is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Tips for Variation, Substitutions, and Modifications:

Green Bean Alternatives:

• Try asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a similar texture and flavor profile.
• For a sweeter option, consider zucchini or green peas, which add a unique twist.

Potato Substitutes:

• Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or butternut squash for a hearty, comforting texture.
• Carrots or parsnips are great for a touch of subtle sweetness.
• If you're following a low-carb or keto diet, cauliflower mash is an excellent alternative to mashed potatoes.

Variation and Modifications:

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use olive oil or plant-based bacon for a savory flavor.
• Add Cheese: Top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.

What to Serve with:

To complement green beans and potatoes, serve with proteins like roast chicken, steak, pork chops, or smoky options like bacon, ham, or smoked baby back ribs. Add cornbread or a green bean casserole for extra flavor, and include grains like rice or quinoa. Top with a savory garlic butter sauce or tangy balsamic glaze, and pair with refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or white wine. These sides make the meal satisfying and perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to Thanksgiving.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm up in a skillet or microwave. Freezing might change the texture of the vegetables.

Tools to Eat:

You’ll need a skillet or large pot to cook this dish. A sharp knife to slice the potatoes and chop the onion and garlic will also be helpful.