Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes: A Hearty and Flavorful One-Pot Meal

Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal to make? Look no further than this slow cooker green beans, ham, and potatoes recipe! This dish is a perfect blend of savory ham, tender potatoes, and crisp-tender green beans, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a satisfying and home-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

## Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Recipe

* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker does all the work! Simply chop your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
* **Flavorful and Hearty:** The combination of ham, potatoes, and green beans creates a truly comforting and satisfying meal. The ham infuses the dish with a smoky, savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Fewer dishes to wash! Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of ham, potatoes, or seasonings.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ham:** 1-1.5 pounds of cooked ham, cut into 1-inch cubes. A leftover ham bone can also be added for extra flavor, but remove it before serving.
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds of Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking and have a creamy texture.
* **Green Beans:** 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped or cut into 2-inch pieces. Frozen green beans can be used in a pinch, but fresh green beans provide the best texture.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced. Provides a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Adds moisture and flavor to the dish. Vegetable broth can also be used.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Adds richness and flavor.
* **Seasonings:** 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional), 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).

## Equipment

* 6-quart or larger slow cooker
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying slow cooker green beans, ham, and potatoes meal:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
* Trim the green beans and snap or cut them into 2-inch pieces.
* Chop the onion.
* Mince the garlic.
* Cut the ham into 1-inch cubes.

**Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**

Layering the ingredients in a specific order helps ensure even cooking and prevents the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. Start with the potatoes, followed by the onion, garlic, ham, and green beans.

* Place the cubed potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
* Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the potatoes.
* Add the cubed ham on top of the onion and garlic.
* Finally, add the green beans on top of the ham.

**Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings**

Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. The broth should cover most of the ingredients, but it doesn’t need to completely submerge them. Add the butter and all the seasonings.

* Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.
* Add the butter.
* Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) over the ingredients.

**Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker**

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the potatoes for tenderness after the minimum cooking time. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork when they are done.

* Cover the slow cooker.
* Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* Check the potatoes for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

Once the potatoes are tender, the slow cooker green beans, ham, and potatoes are ready to serve! Give the dish a good stir before serving to distribute the flavors. You can serve it as a complete meal or with a side of cornbread or a simple salad.

* Give the dish a good stir.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes

* **Choose the right potatoes:** Yukon Gold or red potatoes are the best choices for this recipe because they hold their shape well during slow cooking and have a creamy texture. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they may become slightly mealy.
* **Don’t overcook the green beans:** Overcooked green beans can become mushy. If you prefer crisp-tender green beans, add them to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more or less salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or red pepper flakes. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as bay leaf, smoked paprika, or dried oregano.
* **Use leftover ham:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal.
* **Add a ham bone for extra flavor:** If you have a leftover ham bone, add it to the slow cooker for extra flavor. Remove the ham bone before serving.
* **Thicken the sauce (optional):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and adding it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well to combine.
* **Add other vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
* **Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt:** A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy and tangy touch to the dish.

## Variations

* **Smoked Sausage:** Substitute the ham with smoked sausage for a different flavor profile. Kielbasa or andouille sausage would work well.
* **Bacon:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky and salty flavor boost.
* **Cajun Seasoning:** Use Cajun seasoning instead of the regular seasonings for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Version:** Add a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup for a creamier dish. Reduce the amount of chicken broth accordingly.
* **Vegetarian Version:** Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for protein.
* **Spicy Version:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño pepper for a spicy kick.

## Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker green beans, ham, and potatoes recipe is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

* **Cornbread:** Serve with a slice of warm cornbread for a classic Southern-style meal.
* **Salad:** Pair with a simple green salad or a coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
* **Rolls:** Serve with crusty rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Biscuits:** Offer warm biscuits for a comforting and satisfying side.
* **Fried Apples:** Serve with a side of fried apples for a sweet and savory combination.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover slow cooker green beans, ham, and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Reheating:**

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
* **Slow Cooker:** For a larger batch, you can reheat the leftovers in the slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until heated through. Add a little extra broth if needed to prevent sticking.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on the ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

## Conclusion

This slow cooker green beans, ham, and potatoes recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that the whole family will love. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal! Enjoy!