If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to love this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender ham, fresh green beans, and perfectly cooked potatoes, all mingling in a savory broth that warms the soul. This dish is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to time after time because it’s super simple to prepare yet packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is truly the secret to the success of this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy ham that brings depth, to the potatoes adding creaminess, and the green beans lending a vibrant color and fresh bite.
- Ham shank or ham/sausage (about 2 pounds): Provides the smoky, savory core that flavors the entire dish.
- Red or yellow potatoes (2 pounds): These small potatoes hold their shape beautifully and soak up the delicious broth.
- Large yellow onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked low and slow.
- Fresh green beans (2 pounds): Offers a crisp, fresh texture and bright green color that balances the richness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the ham and veggies.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savory base with a gentle punch of onion flavor.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon, to taste): Seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon, to taste): Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- Chicken stock (4 to 6 cups): The liquid that ties everything together and infuses the ingredients with moisture and flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Base
Start by placing your ham shank or the ham and sausage pieces right at the bottom of your crockpot. This placement is key because as the meat slowly cooks, it releases its smoky juices, creating a flavorful foundation that will infuse the vegetables above.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, carefully layer the potatoes, chopped onions, and fresh green beans on top of your meat. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly across the top. These simple seasonings truly elevate the dish, making every bite burst with balanced flavor.
Step 3: Add Chicken Stock
Pour in enough chicken stock to cover the ingredients, usually between 4 to 6 cups. This liquid is essential as it keeps the potatoes tender and ensures the green beans stay vibrant while soaking up the savory broth. Make sure not to skimp here—adding a bit more stock if needed will keep everything perfectly moist throughout the cooking time.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to low and let it work its magic for 7 to 8 hours, or speed things up by cooking on high for about 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the ham is heated through with that unmistakable depth of flavor. This slow cooking melds everything together in the most delicious way!
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
If you used a ham shank, be sure to remove the bone before serving. Then simply dish out this warm, hearty mix as a satisfying and balanced meal that’s perfect for any day you want comfort food without fuss.
How to Serve Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley add a lovely splash of color and a hint of brightness. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving also enhances the dish’s aroma and taste.
Side Dishes
Although the Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with a simple crusty bread or a crisp, fresh salad can round out the plate beautifully without competing with the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve this dish in rustic bowls straight from the crockpot, letting everyone enjoy the comfort of a home-style meal. Alternatively, for a more festive touch, garnish individual servings with a dollop of grainy mustard or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add pops of flavor and contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in sealed airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more after a day or two, making the next serving just as comforting if not more so.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick future meal.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if it’s looking a bit dry. Heat slowly to keep the ham moist and prevent the green beans from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ham in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ham gives the dish its signature smoky flavor, smoked sausage or even a smoked turkey leg can work well. Just adjust the cooking time if needed based on the meat you choose.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I make this recipe on the stove?
Yes, you can! Use a large, heavy pot with a lid and simmer gently on low heat for about 2 hours, checking moisture levels often and adding stock if it gets dry.
Can I substitute fresh green beans with frozen ones?
Frozen green beans can be used, but since they’re already blanched, add them during the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking and losing texture.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings for a nice warming kick that pairs beautifully with the smoky ham.
Is it necessary to use chicken stock, or can I use water instead?
Chicken stock adds extra richness and depth to the dish. If you don’t have stock on hand, water will work but consider boosting flavor with a bouillon cube or additional seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe is a true treasure for anyone who loves meals that bring comfort without the effort. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal waiting for you. Give it a try, share it around your table, and enjoy every cozy, flavorful bite.
Print
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Using a slow cooker, tender ham combines with fresh green beans and potatoes, all simmered together with flavorful seasonings and chicken stock for a satisfying one-pot dish that requires minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 ham shank with plenty of meat on the bone OR 2 pounds ham or smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables
- 2 pounds small red or yellow potatoes, or potatoes cut into 2–3 inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 4–6 cups chicken stock, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Place the ham shank or the cut ham or smoked sausage pieces at the bottom of the crockpot to form a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Layer the peeled or cut potatoes, chopped onions, and trimmed green beans on top of the meat. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over all the ingredients for balanced seasoning.
- Add liquid: Pour 4 to 6 cups of chicken stock over the ingredients, making sure the liquid adequately covers everything. Add more stock if necessary to ensure proper cooking and moisture.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the ham is thoroughly heated and infused with flavor.
- Serve: If using a ham shank, remove the bone carefully before serving. Serve the dish hot as a hearty, filling, and balanced meal perfect for family dinners.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) as needed based on the saltiness of your ham or sausage.
- You can substitute smoked sausage if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- For a thicker broth, reduce the amount of chicken stock slightly or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
