When it comes to Thanksgiving, we all know the turkey gets a lot of attention. But let’s be honest, the side dishes are where the real magic happens. It is the variety and flavor on the table that truly makes the meal a feast. If you are looking for new Thanksgiving recipes side dishes to add to your rotation, you have come to the right place.
This recipe for green beans and potatoes with savory beef bacon is a wonderful change of pace. It is hearty, full of flavor, and brings a beautiful touch of green to your holiday spread. It is one of those easy Thanksgiving recipes that tastes like it took all day to make, but it comes together so quickly. It’s a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe before the night is over.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor combination is just fantastic. You get the savory, smoky taste from the crispy beef bacon, which pairs beautifully with the earthy green beans and creamy little potatoes. The onion and garlic build a wonderful aromatic base, and that final splash of white balsamic vinegar adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness. It really balances the whole dish out.
Another reason to love it? It is so simple to prepare. There are no complicated steps or techniques here. It is a straightforward skillet dish that even a beginner cook can feel confident making. This is a huge plus when you are juggling multiple dishes for your Thanksgiving meals. Anything that saves you time and stress is a big win.
Finally, it’s a total crowd pleaser. It appeals to a wide range of tastes and feels both comforting and a little bit special. It’s a hearty side that can stand up to all the other bold flavors on the table. This is one of those side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner that will disappear fast. So you might want to consider making a double batch. You have been warned!
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for this delicious dish. The ingredients are simple, but together they create something truly special. Choosing quality components will make a big difference in the final taste.
- 6 slices beef bacon, chopped: Beef bacon provides a deep, smoky flavor that is a bit different from traditional pork bacon. Look for a good quality cut.
- 3 tablespoons butter: This adds a rich, creamy base for cooking the onions and other vegetables.
- 1 red onion, chopped: Red onion offers a slightly milder and sweeter flavor than yellow onion, which works wonderfully here.
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped: Fresh is best! Look for beans that are bright green and snap easily. This is the star of our Thanksgiving food sides.
- 8 small new potatoes, diced: New potatoes have thin skins and a waxy texture, so they hold their shape well after cooking. No need to peel them!
- 1 large clove garlic, minced: A must have for aromatic depth. Freshly minced garlic is always better than the jarred kind.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: This helps to steam and cook the vegetables, adding another layer of savory flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons white balsamic vinegar: This is the finishing touch. It adds a pop of acidity that brightens everything up.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create one of the most delicious Thanksgiving recipes side dishes your family will ever taste. It is all about building layers of flavor.
Step 1: Cook The Beef Bacon
Place a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add your chopped beef bacon to the skillet. Let it cook, stirring it every so often, until it is evenly browned and nice and crispy. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon pieces to a plate lined with a paper towel. This helps drain away excess fat and keeps it crispy.
Step 2: Sauté The Onion
Carefully drain most of the rendered bacon fat from the skillet, leaving just a little bit for flavor. Turn the heat down to medium low and add the butter, letting it melt completely. Add the chopped red onion to the skillet. Cook and stir until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step builds a sweet and savory base.
Step 3: Combine And Simmer
Now it is time to bring it all together. Stir the cooked beef bacon back into the skillet with the onions. Add the fresh green beans, diced potatoes, minced garlic, and the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients. This is a key step for great Thanksgiving food sides.
Step 4: Steam The Vegetables
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it is boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with its lid, and let it simmer. The vegetables will steam in the broth. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still have a slight crispness. You want them cooked through, not mushy.
Step 5: Finish And Serve
Once the vegetables are perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the white balsamic vinegar over the top, along with a bit of salt and pepper to your taste. Gently stir one last time to distribute the seasonings. Your amazing side dish is now ready to serve immediately. Enjoy the happy faces around your dinner table!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is a big if, they are easy to store. Let the dish cool down completely to room temperature first. This is important to prevent condensation inside the container. Once cooled, transfer the green beans and potatoes to an airtight container.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it gently in a skillet over medium low heat until warmed through. You could also use a microwave, but the skillet method helps to keep the textures from getting too soft. It’s one of those Thanksgiving recipes side dishes that is almost better the next day.
Tips
Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few tips and tricks. For a little bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. It adds a nice, subtle warmth that complements the smoky bacon.
If you want to prepare parts of this dish in advance to save time on Thanksgiving day, you absolutely can. You can wash, trim, and snap the green beans a day or two before. You can also dice the potatoes, but be sure to keep them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent them from browning. This makes assembling one of your side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner so much quicker.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables too. Some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers would be a delicious addition. Just add them in with the onions to soften them up. Don’t have white balsamic vinegar? A splash of apple cider vinegar or even regular balsamic would work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, delicious, and satisfying side dish that is sure to become a new holiday favorite. This green bean and potato recipe is proof that easy Thanksgiving recipes can be the most memorable. It is a welcome addition to any festive table, bringing color, texture, and a whole lot of flavor.
So this year, when you are planning your Thanksgiving meals, give this recipe a try. It is more than just another item on the menu. It is a dish that brings comfort and joy, which is what holiday cooking is all about. Enjoy making and sharing these wonderful Thanksgiving recipes side dishes with the people you love.
FAQ
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. For the best results, you can cook the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems a little dry. This makes it a great option for busy Thanksgiving meals.
What Kind Of Potatoes Are Best For This Recipe?
Small new potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon Gold potatoes are all excellent choices. They are waxier and hold their shape well during cooking, so you will not end up with mushy potato bits. There is no need to peel them either, which saves you a prep step.
Is There A Vegetarian Substitute For Beef Bacon?
Certainly. To make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and start by sautéing the onion in olive oil instead of butter. To get a smoky flavor, try adding some smoked paprika or a few chopped sun dried tomatoes. Sautéed mushrooms also add a nice, savory element.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead Of Fresh?
You can use frozen green beans if fresh ones are not available. However, the texture will be softer. You will not need to cook them as long. Add them to the skillet for the last 5 to 7 minutes of simmering, just until they are heated through. Fresh beans truly make the best Thanksgiving food sides.
My Green Beans Are Still Too Crisp. What Should I Do?
If your beans are not as tender as you would like after 10 minutes, simply put the lid back on and let them simmer for another 2 to 5 minutes. Check them frequently to reach your desired tenderness. If the pan seems dry, you can add another tablespoon or two of chicken broth to help them steam.
Green Beans and Potatoes with Savory Beef Bacon
This recipe for green beans and potatoes with savory beef bacon is a wonderful change of pace. It is hearty, full of flavor, and brings a beautiful touch of green to your holiday spread. It is one of those easy Thanksgiving recipes that tastes like it took all day to make, but it comes together so quickly.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add your chopped beef bacon to the skillet. Let it cook, stirring it every so often, until it is evenly browned and nice and crispy. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon pieces to a plate lined with a paper towel. This helps drain away excess fat and keeps it crispy.
- Carefully drain most of the rendered bacon fat from the skillet, leaving just a little bit for flavor. Turn the heat down to medium low and add the butter, letting it melt completely. Add the chopped red onion to the skillet. Cook and stir until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step builds a sweet and savory base.
- Now it is time to bring it all together. Stir the cooked beef bacon back into the skillet with the onions. Add the fresh green beans, diced potatoes, minced garlic, and the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it is boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with its lid, and let it simmer. The vegetables will steam in the broth. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still have a slight crispness. You want them cooked through, not mushy.
- Once the vegetables are perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the white balsamic vinegar over the top, along with a bit of salt and pepper to your taste. Gently stir one last time to distribute the seasonings. Your amazing side dish is now ready to serve immediately. Enjoy the happy faces around your dinner table!
Notes
If you happen to have any leftovers, they are easy to store. Let the dish cool down completely to room temperature first to prevent condensation. Once cooled, transfer the green beans and potatoes to an airtight container.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat until warmed through. The skillet method helps to keep the textures from getting too soft.
For a little bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. This adds a nice, subtle warmth that complements the smoky bacon.
To save time on Thanksgiving day, you can wash, trim, and snap the green beans a day or two before. You can also dice the potatoes, but be sure to keep them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent browning.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like chopped mushrooms or bell peppers. Just add them in with the onions to soften. If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar, a splash of apple cider vinegar or regular balsamic would work in a pinch.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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