When it comes to comfort food that’s both hearty and easy to prepare, a crock pot meal featuring ham, green beans, and potatoes is an absolute winner. This recipe combines the smoky richness of ham with the fresh, crisp flavors of green beans and the creamy texture of tender potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection.
It’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Slow cookers truly shine by melding flavors together over hours, allowing the ingredients to become melt-in-your-mouth delicious while preserving their nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, this crock pot recipe offers convenience without compromising on flavor.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham or a holiday ham bone. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying dish that promises warmth and nourishment in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Preparation: Simply toss your ingredients into the crock pot and let it do the work. No standing over the stove or constant stirring required.
Balanced Nutrition: This dish offers a perfect combination of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, making it a complete and wholesome meal.
Flavorful and Comforting: The slow cooking process infuses the green beans and potatoes with the smoky essence of ham, creating a rich, comforting flavor profile.
Versatile Meal: This recipe works well for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty side dish for gatherings and holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced or cubed (leftover or freshly cooked)
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Crock pot / Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
- Cutting board and sharp knife for prepping vegetables and ham
- Measuring spoons for spices
- Mixing bowl (optional, for tossing ingredients)
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and trim the green beans, then cut them into halves. Rinse the baby potatoes and cut them in half or quarters, depending on size. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Layer the ingredients: In the crock pot, start by layering the potatoes at the bottom to ensure they cook thoroughly. Next, add the green beans and diced onions on top.
- Add the ham and seasonings: Scatter the diced ham evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
- Pour in the broth and oil: Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter on top to add richness and help flavor absorption.
- Cover and cook: Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the green beans cooked but still vibrant.
- Final touches: Once done, give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the ham, green beans, and potatoes onto plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
“For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the broth before slow cooking.”
- Use smoked ham: For a richer smoky taste, use smoked ham or ham hocks instead of regular cooked ham.
- Vegetable swap: Swap green beans with asparagus or snap peas when in season for a different twist.
- Make it creamy: Stir in 1/2 cup of cream or sour cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamier texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Use frozen green beans: If fresh green beans aren’t available, frozen ones work well—just add them in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This crock pot ham, green beans, and potatoes dish pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
You might also enjoy it with a side of macaroni and cheese for a classic, indulgent pairing.
To add some variety, consider topping your servings with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or packed lunches.
Conclusion
This crock pot recipe for ham, green beans, and potatoes is a crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients with a comforting, smoky flavor. It’s perfect for those who want a nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you enjoy the aroma filling your home and the anticipation of a delicious dinner.
Whether you’re using leftover ham or cooking fresh, this dish is flexible and adaptable to your tastes and available ingredients. Plus, it offers balanced nutrition and delightful textures in every bite.
For more easy and delicious meal ideas, be sure to check out our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy, or explore Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals to add more variety to your dinner table.
If you love crock pot recipes, you may also want to try our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping that are perfect for on-the-go meals, or the flavorful Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for a taste of international cuisine at home.
📖 Recipe Card: Crock Pot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Description: A hearty and easy one-pot meal combining tender ham, fresh green beans, and potatoes slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner with minimal prep.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ham steak, cubed
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Place cubed ham in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add baby potatoes and chopped onion on top of the ham.
- Add green beans and minced garlic over the potatoes.
- Pour chicken broth evenly over all ingredients.
- Sprinkle thyme, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt over the mixture.
- Drizzle olive oil on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir gently before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 20 g
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