Description

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the hearty, satisfying combination of Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes. This classic recipe brings together tender, savory ham with the earthy flavors of green beans and potatoes, all slowly simmered to perfection in a crockpot. The result is a dish that’s both flavorful and filling, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a warm, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients List (with Measurements)

For the Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes:

1.5 pounds ham, cubed (smoked, honey-glazed, or your preferred variety)
1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
2 pounds potatoes, cubed (Yukon Gold, red, or russet)
1 onion, diced (optional)
3 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover the ingredients)
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and trimming the green beans, peeling and cubing the potatoes, and dicing the ham into bite-sized pieces. If using onion, dice it finely.

2. Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place the ham at the bottom of the crockpot. Next, add the potatoes, spreading them out evenly over the ham. Finally, add the green beans on top. This layering ensures that the ham flavors the vegetables as they cook.

3. Season the Ingredients

Sprinkle the garlic powder, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper evenly over the green beans and potatoes. Add the butter on top, distributing it across the ingredients. Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the ingredients are mostly covered.

4. Cook in the Crockpot

Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low will allow the flavors to meld more deeply, while cooking on high will get dinner on the table faster.

5. Check for Doneness

After the cooking time has elapsed, check the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork—they should be tender. If the potatoes are still firm, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes until they are done.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the dish is ready, give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients and flavors. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with cornbread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Tips and Notes

Making Ahead: This dish can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply place the crockpot insert into the base and start cooking. This is especially useful if you have a busy day ahead and want to have dinner ready when you come home.
Doubling the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a larger crowd or want to have leftovers, you can easily double the recipe. Use a larger crockpot (7-8 quarts) or cook in two batches. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the volume.
Adding Fresh Herbs: For added freshness, consider stirring in freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or dill just before serving. This adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the ham and potatoes.
Using Leftovers: Leftover ham from holidays like Easter or Christmas is perfect for this dish. The flavors will already be well-developed, and the slow cooking process will enhance them even further.
Customizing the Texture: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.