Name: Slow Cooker Ham and Green Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 4-6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups diced cooked ham (preferably a bone-in ham for extra flavor); 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; Salt to taste; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

When it comes to hearty comfort food, few dishes can match the warmth and satisfaction of Slow Cooker Ham and Green Beans. This classic dish, often associated with Southern-style cooking, brings together tender ham and vibrant green beans, simmered to perfection in a deliciously savory broth. The blend of flavors in this dish is not only comforting but also deeply nourishing, making it a go-to for both family dinners and festive occasions. It’s a simple recipe that evokes nostalgia, and it’s perfect for casual entertaining or weeknight dinners. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family meal or a festive holiday side dish, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich aroma filling your kitchen, it invites everyone to gather around the dinner table and share stories over a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

For this Slow Cooker Ham and Green Beans recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ham: 2 cups diced cooked ham (preferably a bone-in ham for extra flavor; the bone can also add richness to the broth)
Green Beans: 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed (fresh green beans will provide a crunchier texture)
Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white onions work best for their sweetness)
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic enhances the dish’s overall aroma and flavor)
Chicken Broth: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought is convenient)
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing; feel free to use other oils like canola or avocado oil if preferred)
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly ground offers the best flavor)
Salt: To taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon, adjusting based on the saltiness of your ham)
Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available; fresh herbs can elevate the dish further)
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch for heat (optional; adjust based on your desired spice level)

For best results, choose high-quality ham and fresh green beans to enhance the overall flavor of this dish. You can also substitute with canned green beans if fresh ones are unavailable, but the texture will differ slightly, potentially being less crisp. Additionally, always taste your broth before adding salt to ensure you don’t overpower the dish. Check out our related guide for more tips.

Steps / Instructions

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic, setting them aside for easy access during cooking.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. This step will develop a deeper flavor and caramelization of the onions, enhancing the overall taste.
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the diced ham, ensuring it’s evenly distributed, fresh or frozen green beans, and season with black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is submerged and the flavors can meld. Stir gently to combine, making sure the seasonings are well incorporated.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when the green beans are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. You’ll know it’s done when the beans are vibrant and the ham is infused with aromatic flavors.
Once cooked, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary; a sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten it up. Serve hot, enjoying the hearty aroma that fills your kitchen, and allow the comforting flavors to warm you from the inside out.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some practical tips to enhance your cooking experience and ensure the best results with your Slow Cooker Ham and Green Beans:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the beans.
Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Prepare all the ingredients the night before and refrigerate. Just plug in the slow cooker in the morning for a warm meal waiting for you by dinner.
Avoid Overcooking: While slow cooking is forgiving, check the green beans towards the end of the cooking time to avoid them becoming mushy, ensuring they retain some bite.
Ingredient Swaps: For a vegetarian version, replace ham with smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add mushrooms to deepen the umami flavor.

Conclusion

Invite the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Ham and Green Beans into your home for a delightful meal that embodies both simplicity and satisfaction. This dish is not only a great addition to your collection of slow cooker recipes but also a family-friendly recipe that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a casual gathering or as a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and enjoy a delicious meal that brings everyone to the table, creating memories to cherish for years to come.