When you want a comforting, home-cooked meal that requires minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes dish is the perfect choice. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a true classic that will remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. Packed with tender ham, fresh green beans, and creamy potatoes, this one-pot meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Ingredients

For Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

• 1.5 pounds ham, cubed (leftover ham or smoked ham hock works well)
• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon gold), halved
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Start by washing and halving the baby potatoes. Trim the ends of the green beans and chop the onion and garlic.
2. Cube the ham if it isn’t already pre-cut.

Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker

1. Place the cubed ham, halved potatoes, fresh green beans, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure that the ingredients are mostly submerged.
3. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Add the butter on top.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 4: Serve

1. Once done, give the ingredients a gentle stir to distribute the flavors evenly. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Ham Options: You can use leftover holiday ham, smoked ham hocks, or even diced ham steaks for this recipe. Each will add its own unique flavor.
• Potato Types: Baby red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes work best in this dish, but you can also use russet potatoes cut into large chunks.
• Add More Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.

Variations

• Add Carrots: Adding some sliced carrots will bring extra color and sweetness to the dish.
• Spicy Version: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño if you want to add a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can add smoked paprika to impart a smoky flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Canned Green Beans?

Yes, you can use canned green beans if you don’t have fresh ones. However, it’s best to add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

2. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This dish reheats very well, and the flavors often improve the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I Freeze Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. How Do I Thicken the Broth?

If you prefer a thicker broth, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stirring it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is a timeless, hearty dish that combines simple ingredients for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s an easy, one-pot solution for busy days when you want to serve a warm, nutritious meal without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner or a weeknight family meal, this dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the classic flavors that bring everyone together around the dinner table.

Happy cooking!