A simple skillet supper that turns three humble ingredients into a soulful, smoky side—perfect for weeknights or Sunday dinner.
introduction
This Green Beans + Potatoes + Bacon Combo is a classic Southern-style pairing elevated by crispy bacon and a touch of smoked paprika. It’s a forgiving recipe that comes together quickly and pairs well with roasted meats or a simple main. If you enjoy hearty skillet dishes, you might also like this bacon cheeseburger rice skillet for another meaty, comfort-food option.
why make this recipe
- Fast and satisfying: ready in about 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
- Economical: uses pantry staples and inexpensive produce.
- Crowd-pleasing: smoky bacon and tender potatoes make it a versatile side for family meals or potlucks.
- One-skillet ease means fewer dishes and more flavor from cooking everything together.
how to make Green Beans + Potatoes + Bacon Combo
This skillet method maximizes flavor by rendering bacon fat to brown the potatoes, then finishing with bright green beans and spices.
Steps at a glance:
- Crisp bacon first, use the drippings to brown potatoes.
- Add green beans and cook until tender-crisp.
- Season with garlic powder and smoked paprika, then fold in the bacon.
For a playful twist, try stuffing the finished mix into tater tot cones for a party appetizer inspired by these bacon cheeseburger stuffed tater tot cones.
Ingredients :
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions :
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet and sauté the baby potatoes until golden brown and tender.
- Stir in the green beans and cook until they are tender and bright green.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and smoked paprika over the mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Serve as a delicious side dish.
how to serve Green Beans + Potatoes + Bacon Combo
- Serve warm alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled steak.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for brightness.
- It also works well topped with a soft-poached egg for a hearty brunch.
how to store Green Beans + Potatoes + Bacon Combo
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve texture; add a splash of water if needed.
- Do not freeze if you want to maintain the best texture—potatoes can become grainy after freezing.
tips to make Green Beans + Potatoes + Bacon Combo
- Parboil larger potatoes for faster, more even cooking before skillet browning.
- Trim green beans uniformly so they cook evenly.
- Use thick-cut bacon for meatier bites; reserve drippings to flavor the potatoes.
- If you prefer a smokier profile, add a pinch more smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke.
variation (if any)
- Add shallots or thinly sliced onions when you sauté the potatoes for extra sweetness.
- Swap baby potatoes for Yukon Golds or fingerlings.
- Stir in halved cherry tomatoes at the end for a fresh burst.
- Make it vegetarian by using smoked olive oil and tempeh bacon or crispy smoked tofu.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them first, and reduce cooking time to avoid mushiness.
Q: How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
A: Work in a hot skillet without overcrowding and let the potatoes brown undisturbed before turning.
Q: Can this be made ahead?
A: You can cook it ahead and reheat, but for best texture, slightly undercook the potatoes and finish them when reheating.
Conclusion
For more inspiration on Southern-style green beans with potatoes and bacon, check out Barefeet in the Kitchen’s take on Southern green beans with potatoes and bacon and Allrecipes’ classic Southern green beans recipe for variations and tips.
- Barefeet in the Kitchen’s version: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/green-beans-with-bacon-recipe/
- Allrecipes’ Southern green beans recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/190711/southern-green-beans/
Green Beans + Potatoes + Bacon Combo
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet and sauté the baby potatoes until golden brown and tender.
- Stir in the green beans and cook until they are tender and bright green.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and smoked paprika over the mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
