Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon

Green Beans and Potatoes with Turkey Bacon is a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any meal of the day. With a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, crispy turkey bacon, and simple seasonings, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works beautifully as a main or a side dish and fits right into comfort food territory—without being overly indulgent.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight staple, a holiday side, or a dish for a backyard gathering, this one-pan wonder is just what you need. Thanks to its high fiber and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s also a smart choice for anyone trying to add more wholesome vegetables to their diet.

You’ll appreciate that this recipe includes nutrient-dense baby potatoes, green beans, and turkey bacon for a lighter twist on the classic bacon version. Plus, ingredients like smoked paprika and garlic powder add a savory depth without requiring complex cooking techniques. Learn more about the nutritional value of green beans and how they support digestion and heart health. Potatoes also offer many health benefits and come in numerous varieties, as explained in this overview of potato varieties.

For those seeking new side dish ideas, this recipe pairs well with many comfort food dinner sides and is also featured in many one-pan dinner ideas. Let’s dive into this comforting, flavor-packed, and nutrition-rich dish.

Health benefits of green beans and potatoes 🥔🫘

Both green beans and potatoes are loaded with health benefits that make this dish a balanced addition to your diet.

Green beans are:

• High in fiber, supporting digestive health

• Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids

• A good source of vitamins A, C, and K

• Low in calories, making them great for weight management

According to the nutritional profile of vegetables, green beans are also an excellent source of folate and contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation.

Baby potatoes, especially when cooked with the skins on, offer:

• High potassium levels which aid in regulating blood pressure

• Vitamin C for immune support

• Slow-digesting carbohydrates that keep you full longer

• Prebiotic fiber, which supports gut health

This makes the combination of green beans and potatoes a nutrient-dense base, made even better with the lean protein content found in turkey bacon. Learn more about how olive oil contributes to heart health and is a smart choice for roasting vegetables like potatoes.

Ingredient breakdown & substitutions 🧂🥓

Here’s a full breakdown of the ingredients used in this recipe, along with some helpful substitutions if you need to adapt the dish.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size

• 4 slices of turkey bacon, diced (use instead of pork bacon for a leaner option)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Recommended substitutions:

• Swap baby potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes for a firmer texture

• Replace garlic powder with 2 minced cloves of fresh garlic for a stronger flavor—learn more about the benefits of garlic

• Use avocado oil instead of olive oil if you prefer a higher smoke point for roasting

• If you don’t eat turkey bacon, try vegetarian bacon or mushroom bacon for a meat-free option

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky undertone to the dish—check out this guide to paprika spices for more on its origin and uses. The use of these ingredients balances earthy, salty, and smoky flavors beautifully.

Equipment needed 🧑‍🍳🍳

To make this dish efficiently, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• A large baking sheet or roasting pan (preferably nonstick or lined with parchment paper)

• Skillet or frying pan for cooking the turkey bacon and sautéing green beans

• Mixing bowls for seasoning potatoes

• Tongs or a spatula for tossing vegetables and bacon

• Sharp knife and cutting board for trimming green beans and cutting potatoes

Using the right tools ensures even cooking and helps maintain the integrity of your ingredients throughout the process.

Step-by-step cooking instructions 👩‍🍳🔥

Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect green beans and potatoes with turkey bacon dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the potatoes: In a mixing bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with:

   • 1 tablespoon olive oil

   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

   • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

   • Salt and black pepper to taste

3. Roast the potatoes: Spread them out on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, until they begin to soften and brown.

4. Cook the turkey bacon: While the potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced turkey bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet.

5. Sauté the green beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the same skillet and sauté in the bacon grease for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.

6. Combine and finish roasting: Remove the potatoes from the oven and add the sautéed green beans and cooked turkey bacon to the baking sheet. Toss everything gently to combine. Return to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serve warm: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately.

This method gives you crisp potatoes, savory green beans, and perfectly cooked turkey bacon in a cohesive, satisfying dish.

Cooking tips for the best texture and flavor 💡👨‍🍳

To ensure your green beans and potatoes with turkey bacon come out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use parchment paper or foil on your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking

• Cut potatoes uniformly so they roast evenly—uneven pieces may result in some being overcooked or undercooked

• Avoid overcrowding the pan when roasting; this allows hot air to circulate for proper browning

• Use fresh green beans rather than canned or frozen for a better texture and vibrant color

• After combining all ingredients, return to the oven to help the flavors meld and allow some crisping to occur on the bacon and vegetables

Crisping the turkey bacon separately ensures it doesn’t become soggy in the oven, and sautéing the green beans in the rendered fat enhances their savory flavor without additional oil.

Flavor variations and add-ins 🌶️🌿

This recipe is very customizable. Try some of these variations to mix things up:

• Add chopped onions or shallots to the potatoes before roasting for added depth

• Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables

• Top with shredded Parmesan cheese before the final 10-minute roast

• Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley before serving

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix

Explore other roasted potato combinations with this curated Pinterest board on roasted potato recipes for more creative inspiration.

Meal pairing ideas 🥩🥗

Here are some great ways to serve green beans and potatoes with turkey bacon as part of a complete meal:

• Main course pairings:

  • Grilled chicken thighs

  • Baked salmon or tilapia

  • Sliced roast beef or meatloaf

• Side pairings:

  • Creamy soups like butternut squash or tomato bisque

  • A fresh side salad with balsamic vinaigrette

  • Cornbread or whole grain dinner rolls

This dish is incredibly versatile and also works as a standalone meal if you add a fried or poached egg on top.

Storage and reheating instructions 🧊♨️

Proper storage and reheating help preserve the flavor and texture of this dish.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

• Reheating: Best reheated in a skillet or oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can soften the potatoes too much.

• Freezing: While technically possible, freezing may change the texture of green beans and potatoes. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and reheat in the oven.

Nutritional information and dietary considerations 📊🥦

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 350

• Protein: 12g

• Fat: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

Dietary considerations:

• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

• Dairy-free: As long as you don’t add cheese, it remains dairy-free.

• Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium turkey bacon and reduce added salt.

• Paleo or keto adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.

Review the bacon preparation guide to explore leaner alternatives and learn more about turkey bacon options.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ❓🤔

Can you boil the potatoes instead of roasting them?
Yes, but roasting enhances flavor and texture. If boiling, reduce cook time slightly and pan-fry after for some crispness.

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh is best for texture, but if needed, use canned and reduce sauté time to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Make a large batch and portion into containers. Reheat in the oven or skillet for a quick meal.

What’s the best turkey bacon for this recipe?
Opt for nitrate-free, uncured turkey bacon for a healthier version. Brands with a bit of fat content will crisp up better.

How do you make this vegetarian?
Substitute turkey bacon with vegetarian bacon, tempeh bacon, or smoked mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.

Conclusion and final thoughts 📝🌿

Green Beans and Potatoes with Turkey Bacon is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a satisfying, nutritious, and flavorful dish. With endless variations and high adaptability, it’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite among home cooks.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight and delicious enough for holidays or gatherings. You can find inspiration for other side dishes or similar recipes by browsing Pinterest comfort food sides and one-pan meals.

Try this dish today and make it your own by adding favorite spices, veggies, or protein twists. And don’t forget to pair it with something hearty and fresh for a balanced, beautiful plate.

Print