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Loaded Ranch Bacon Green Bean Casserole

Loaded Ranch Bacon Green Bean Casserole - featured image

This easy comfort food casserole combines crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, tender green beans, and a crunchy topping for a crowd-pleasing twist on the classic green bean casserole. Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or potlucks, it’s a flavorful, nostalgic dish that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or use frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 6 slices bacon (about 6 oz), chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Pat dry.
  3. In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.
  4. Add diced onion to the skillet with bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat until soft and golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and milk until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. In a large bowl, combine blanched green beans, sautéed onions and garlic, half the crispy bacon, and ranch cream sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  7. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using) over the casserole. Top with crispy fried onions and panko breadcrumbs. Scatter remaining bacon over the top.
  9. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake another 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted, topping is golden, and edges are bubbling.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF panko and fried onions. Dairy-free options include vegan mayo, sour cream, and cheese. Blanch green beans just until bright green and shock in cold water for best texture. Assemble ahead minus topping and bake fresh for parties. Cheese melts best when shredded from a block. For extra crunch, use panko over regular breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, ranch, bacon, comfort food, easy casserole, holiday side, potluck, cheesy casserole, gluten-free option