Potatoes, Green Beans, and Ham Recipe for an 8 qt Crockpot

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty meal that brings the family together. One dish that has stood the test of time is the classic combination of potatoes, green beans, and ham. It’s a family favorite for decades, not just because of its savory flavor but also for how simple it is to throw together. Whether you’re cooking for a large family gathering or just looking for something easy yet satisfying, this dish is a perfect go-to. With just a few ingredients, a crockpot, and some patience, you can create a meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl.

Ingredients Overview

To make this dish, you need only a handful of ingredients, but each plays an important role. The key to making this recipe shine is choosing quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Potatoes (6 average-sized)
• Canned green beans (2 family-size cans, drained)
• Smoked ham (1.5 pounds, diced)
• Vegetable broth (32 oz carton)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

The Role of the Crockpot

One of the greatest things about this recipe is that it makes use of a crockpot—a lifesaver for busy cooks. Slow cookers like the crockpot are fantastic for developing flavors over time without requiring constant attention. Simply toss in your ingredients, set the temperature, and let the magic happen. This cooking method ensures that the flavors meld beautifully and that the potatoes become tender, the ham stays juicy, and the green beans soak up all the delicious broth.

Potatoes: The Hearty Base

Potatoes are the backbone of this dish, adding heartiness and a rich, creamy texture once cooked. For this recipe, you’ll need 6 average-sized potatoes. You can use varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet—both work great, but Yukon Golds tend to have a creamier texture, while Russets are starchier and fluffier. Chop the potatoes into chunks that are about 1-1.5 inches in size so they hold their shape during the cooking process.

Green Beans: The Nutritious Touch

Green beans bring a crisp texture and a mild flavor that balances out the richness of the ham and potatoes. While this recipe calls for canned green beans, you can certainly use fresh or frozen if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for fresh beans, as they may take a little longer to soften. Drain the liquid from the canned green beans before adding them to the crockpot to avoid diluting the flavors.

Smoked Ham: The Savory Star

The smoked ham is truly the star of the show. Its salty, smoky flavor permeates the dish, infusing every bite with deliciousness. Choose a good-quality ham, preferably pre-cooked and smoked, to save on prep time. Cut the ham into bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and releases its flavor into the broth.

Vegetable Broth: The Flavor Enhancer

For the liquid component, a 32 oz carton of vegetable broth does the trick. The broth helps to soften the potatoes and green beans while also creating a delicious base for the dish. You can also experiment with other types of broth like chicken or beef, but vegetable broth keeps the flavors light and allows the ham’s smokiness to stand out.

Seasoning the Dish

Though the ingredients themselves pack a lot of flavor, you can’t forget the salt and pepper. These simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preferences, but be mindful that the ham will add some saltiness on its own. You can also experiment by adding other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of paprika to give the dish a little extra depth.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to pull it all together:

1. Start by chopping the potatoes into 1-1.5 inch cubes.
2. Drain the canned green beans and cut the ham into bite-sized pieces.
3. In your 8 qt crockpot, layer the potatoes, green beans, and ham.
4. Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Set the crockpot to cook on high for 4-6 hours. Check the potatoes—they should be tender but not falling apart.
7. If you’re planning on serving this all day, switch the setting to low or warm after the initial cook time.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, you can serve it alongside some crusty bread or a simple side salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, while the salad adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

This meal is packed with nutritional goodness. Potatoes provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while green beans are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants. The ham adds a good source of protein, and if you’re using vegetable broth, you’re also keeping the meal relatively low in calories.

Tips for Success

• Be sure not to overcook the potatoes, or they may turn to mush.
• If you want to make the dish heartier, consider adding other vegetables like carrots or celery.
• Adjust the seasoning once the dish is done cooking, especially if your ham is particularly salty.

Variations of the Recipe

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the ham for chicken or bacon if you prefer, or use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a different flavor profile. You can also try adding a bit of cream or cheese towards the end for a richer version of the recipe.

Why This Recipe is Great for Meal Prep

Since this recipe makes a large batch, it’s perfect for meal prep. You can portion it out and refrigerate or freeze it for future meals. It reheats well, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

This potatoes, green beans, and ham crockpot recipe is a tried-and-true family favorite. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and the convenience of a crockpot, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twists, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.

---

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of potatoes? Yes! You can use any potato variety you prefer, such as Yukon Gold, Russet, or even red potatoes.
2. Can I substitute the ham for another meat? Absolutely! You can try chicken, bacon, or even sausage for a different flavor.
3. What can I use instead of vegetable broth? Chicken or beef broth works well, or you can use water with a bouillon cube for extra flavor.
4. Can I cook this on low the entire time? Yes, you can cook the dish on low for 6-8 hours if you prefer a slower cooking process.
5. How do I store leftovers and reheat them? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

You might like also: