A comforting, hearty dish, Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Beef combines tender beef, fresh green beans, and creamy potatoes in a flavor-packed ranch seasoning. This one-pot wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, delivering savory goodness in every bite. With a balance of textures and flavors, it’s a satisfying and wholesome meal that pairs beautifully with fresh bread or a simple side salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a standout for so many reasons. First, it’s a complete meal that combines protein, vegetables, and starch in a single dish. The addition of ranch seasoning elevates the flavors, giving the dish a bold, tangy kick. Perfectly tender potatoes and crisp-tender green beans provide texture, while the beef adds a robust, savory depth. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a simple dinner for your family, this recipe is easy to make, versatile, and full of down-home comfort. Plus, it uses simple, affordable ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or stew meat
- Fresh green beans
- Potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Butter
- Chicken or beef broth
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into 2-inch pieces. Scrub the potatoes and dice them into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skins on for added texture and nutrients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. - Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then cook the ground beef or stew meat until browned and fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan for added flavor. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. - Add the Green Beans:
Stir the green beans into the skillet, ensuring they are well coated with the butter and aromatic mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes to slightly soften the beans. - Incorporate the Seasoning:
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Pour in the chicken or beef broth, ensuring the liquid just covers the bottom of the pan to help the vegetables steam and absorb the flavors. - Combine the Ingredients:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, mixing it with the seasoned vegetables. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked to your liking. - Season to Taste:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese just before serving for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic boost.
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Bacon Addition: Crisp up some diced bacon and sprinkle it over the top for added richness and crunch.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power until heated through.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How can I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
Cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks, ensuring they cook at the same rate. Smaller pieces will cook faster, while larger chunks may need extra time.
Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, but fresh green beans are recommended for their crisp-tender texture. If using canned, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What type of beef works best for this recipe?
Ground beef is quick and easy, but stew meat or diced chuck roast adds a richer flavor and heartier texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?
Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced turnips for a low-carb alternative.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
A crusty loaf of bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot or skillet to accommodate the increased volume.
Does the ranch seasoning contain MSG?
Many store-bought ranch mixes contain MSG, but you can make your own blend using spices like dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Thaw them beforehand for best results and add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Beef is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory flavors and hearty ingredients into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your tastes or dietary preferences, making it a staple recipe for any household. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this meal is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Try it out and enjoy a little taste of country comfort!
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Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Beef
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting one-pot meal, Country Ranch Green Beans ‘n Potatoes with Beef features tender beef, fresh green beans, and creamy potatoes in a bold, tangy ranch seasoning. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this hearty dish is easy to make and full of country-style flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or stew meat
- 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1.5 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or red, diced into bite-sized chunks)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (~1 oz)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash and trim the green beans. Dice the potatoes, leaving the skins on. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. - Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and cook the ground beef or stew meat until browned. Remove the beef, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Melt butter in the skillet. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Add the Green Beans:
Stir in the green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes, coating them in the butter mixture. - Incorporate the Seasoning:
Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the vegetables and mix well. Add chicken or beef broth, ensuring it covers the bottom of the skillet for steaming. - Combine Ingredients:
Return the beef to the skillet and stir. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. - Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave individual portions.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Customization Tips: Add shredded cheese, bacon, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Swap potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Country-style beef and potatoes Ranch green beans recipe One-pot beef and potatoes Comfort food recipes Easy family dinner ideas
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