Looking for a fuss-free, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days or lazy weekends? Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is a delicious, one-pot dish that combines the savory goodness of ham, the earthiness of green beans, and the heartiness of potatoes. This slow-cooked meal is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, holiday leftovers, or meal prepping. Here’s everything you need to know to make this delightful dish.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender ham, savory green beans, and creamy potatoes in a flavorful broth. Using a crockpot (slow cooker) allows the ingredients to meld together over time, making each bite satisfying and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s super easy to make. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Benefits of Cooking in a Crockpot
Cooking with a crockpot or slow cooker is incredibly convenient. It saves you time and energy while still delivering a flavorful, tender dish. Here are some of the main reasons this method of cooking works perfectly for a meal like Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes:
- Hands-off cooking: Once you’ve added all the ingredients, the crockpot does the rest. You can go about your day while the meal cooks slowly, infusing all the flavors.
- Tender results: Slow cooking allows the ham to absorb all the flavors from the green beans and potatoes, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Convenience: It’s an all-in-one dish, meaning fewer dishes to clean and less time spent on prep.
Ingredients for Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
To make this savory dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to serve 4-6 people:
Main Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups cooked ham (cubed or shredded): Using leftover ham is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use deli ham or a small ham steak.
- 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed): Fresh green beans work best, but frozen green beans can be substituted if needed.
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes (peeled and diced): Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great choices for this dish. They become soft and creamy when cooked slowly.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Adds a sweet, aromatic depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings an extra layer of flavor to the broth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The base of your cooking liquid, which will meld with the vegetables and ham.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herb that complements the savory elements of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of seasoning.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional): For added richness and creaminess.
How to Make Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Making this recipe couldn’t be simpler. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for an easy, flavorful dinner. Here’s how to put it all together:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes into medium-sized chunks—about 1-inch pieces are ideal. Trim the green beans by snapping off the ends and cutting them into 1-2 inch pieces if they’re too long. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
If you’re using leftover cooked ham, cube it into bite-sized pieces. If you don’t have cooked ham, you can substitute with a ham steak or any leftover holiday ham.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Once your ingredients are prepped, place them in the crockpot. Start by layering the potatoes at the bottom, followed by the green beans, onions, and garlic. Then add the cubed ham on top.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings
Next, pour in the chicken broth over the ingredients. Add the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine the seasonings and ensure the broth is distributed evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Dish
Set your crockpot to low heat and cook for 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the ham is fully infused with the flavors of the vegetables. If you’re short on time, you can set the crockpot to high heat and cook for 3-4 hours instead.
Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)
About 15 minutes before serving, if you’d like a richer, creamier texture, add the heavy cream or milk. Stir it in and let it cook for the remaining time. This will give the broth a velvety, smooth texture that adds a touch of luxury to the dish.
Step 6: Serve
Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the ham is fully cooked, give everything a final stir. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper as desired.
Serve your Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (such as parsley) for a burst of color and flavor. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
While Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is a hearty meal on its own, you can elevate it with a few side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls that are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts to add extra texture and nutrition to your meal.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the slow-cooked dish.
You can also serve this dish alongside mashed potatoes if you want to double down on the potato goodness!
Nutritional Information
This comforting dish is not only easy to make but also provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Protein: 20-25 grams (thanks to the ham)
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams (from the potatoes and green beans)
- Fat: 12-15 grams (from the ham and optional cream)
- Fiber: 4-5 grams (from the potatoes and green beans)
This recipe is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious meal option.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re using up leftovers or just craving a simple, hearty meal, this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s easy, customizable, and packed with flavor. Plus, the slow cooker method ensures that the ingredients meld together perfectly, giving you a rich, savory dish every time.
This meal is ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have the time to fuss over dinner but still want something satisfying. It’s also great for meal prep, as the flavors only improve over time. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Conclusion
There’s no better way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal than with Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy families, casual dinner parties, or anyone looking for a delicious meal that doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time. With tender ham, fresh green beans, creamy potatoes, and a flavorful broth, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.