Enjoy a warm and comforting meal with “Hearty Comfort: Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes.” This easy, one-pot dish combines tender green beans, savory ham, and hearty potatoes, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes:
- Easy and Convenient: Simple preparation and the slow cooker does all the work.
- Hearty and Satisfying: A complete meal with protein, veggies, and starch.
- Flavorful: Slow cooking enhances the flavors, making each bite delicious.
- Versatile: Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or as a side dish.
Ingredients Notes For Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes:
- Ham: Use a ham steak, leftover ham, or ham hocks, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed.
- Potatoes: Baby potatoes or russet potatoes, cut into chunks.
- Onion: Chopped for added flavor.
- Garlic: Minced for a savory taste.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful cooking liquid.
- Butter: Adds richness to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional Seasonings: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and trim 1 pound of fresh green beans (or use frozen). Cut 1 pound of potatoes into chunks. Dice 1 onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Cut 1 pound of ham into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- In a slow cooker, layer the green beans, potatoes, and ham. Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the top.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Dot with 2 tablespoons of butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add optional seasonings if desired.
- Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Serve:
- Stir the mixture gently to combine before serving. Serve hot as a main dish or a hearty side.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound ham diced (use cooked ham, ham steak, or leftover ham)
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (use russet, red, or Yukon gold potatoes)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme optional
- 2 tablespoons butter optional, for added richness
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and trim the green beans, then cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
- Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the green beans, ham, potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and dried thyme (if using).
Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and green beans are tender.
Finish the Dish:
- If desired, stir in the butter to add extra richness to the broth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve:
- Serve the green beans, ham, and potatoes hot, directly from the slow cooker. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.