Illinois Corn and Bacon Skillet with Herb Gravy
A hearty Midwest-inspired skillet featuring sweet corn, smoky bacon, and a creamy herb-infused gravy, served over rice. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs bacon, large onion, fresh corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz bacon
- 1 large onion
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 10 oz diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp (8 minutes); remove with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tbsp bacon fat in skillet.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat until softened and golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups fresh corn kernels to the skillet; cook for 3 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Whisk 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour in a small bowl until smooth. Pour into skillet and stir constantly for 2 minutes until gravy thickens.
- Step 6: Return cooked bacon to skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over 2 cups cooked white rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Illinois Corn and Bacon Skillet with Herb Gravy take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Illinois Corn and Bacon Skillet with Herb Gravy?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bacon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Illinois Corn and Bacon Skillet with Herb Gravy?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Illinois Corn and Bacon Skillet with Herb Gravy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Illinois Corn and Bacon Skillet with Herb Gravy?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
