If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas, the Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic dish combines tender ham, fresh green beans, and perfectly cooked potatoes in a savory broth, making every bite a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a go-to recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in delivering the soul-warming taste of this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe. From the salty richness of ham to the crisp-tender green beans and creamy potatoes, every element adds depth and color to the dish.
- Ham shank or ham/sausage pieces: Provides smoky, meaty flavor that infuses the whole dish as it cooks low and slow.
- Small red or yellow potatoes: These hold up beautifully without falling apart, delivering a creamy texture inside.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory base, balancing the hearty flavors.
- Fresh green beans: Bring a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the tender ham and potatoes.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Amplify the savory profile and layer in gentle aromatic notes.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight all the natural flavors.
- Chicken stock: The cooking liquid that carries the flavors, keeping everything moist and delicious.
How to Make Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base
Start by placing your ham shank or the cut pieces of ham or smoked sausage right at the bottom of the crockpot. This placement allows the meat’s smoky richness to seep upward, flavoring everything above as it cooks slowly and perfectly.
Step 2: Layer the Veggies and Seasonings
Now, add your hearty potatoes, onions, and green beans on top of the meat. Don’t just dump them in; layering helps ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over all to create a foundation bursting with savory goodness.
Step 3: Add the Cooking Liquid
Pour in enough chicken stock to cover the ingredients well. The stock is the magic touch that transforms this collection of simple ingredients into a luscious, flavorful meal. Don’t hesitate to add a bit more if needed—you want plenty of liquid to keep everything tender and juicy as it cooks.
Step 4: Set and Slow Cook
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for about 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The long, gentle cooking allows the potatoes to become tender without turning mushy, the green beans to soften but still hold some bite, and the ham to heat through and soak up all those delicious seasonings.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ham shank bone if you used one, then give everything a gentle stir. Your Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe is now ready to serve piping hot, filling your kitchen with comforting aromas that promise a satisfying meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a splash of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens this hearty dish beautifully. A little cracked black pepper on top right before serving also adds a nice touch of spice to elevate the flavors.
Side Dishes
Since this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe is a complete meal, you might keep sides simple. A crusty loaf of bread or a fresh green salad can complement and lighten the meal if you want something extra. Pickled vegetables or a tangy coleslaw also contrast the rich, savory flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the dish family-style directly from the crockpot for a cozy, communal feel. Or plate it elegantly by placing a generous portion of the green beans and potatoes down first, then topping with slices of ham alongside a drizzle of the flavorful broth. Small ramekins of mustard or horseradish on the side provide a fun dipping option, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe should be cooled to room temperature, then placed in an airtight container and refrigerated. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect candidate for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially without the green beans if you prefer to keep them fresher in texture. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags with plenty of broth to prevent drying. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer, ready for a no-fuss meal anytime.
Reheating
For reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Rewarm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ham?
Absolutely! While ham is classic for this recipe, smoked sausage or even leftover cooked pork can work beautifully and infuse the dish with a similar savory richness.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can use a large covered Dutch oven or heavy pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. The cooking time will be shorter, so check the tenderness of the potatoes and beans as you go.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh green beans are preferred for texture and color, but frozen beans can be used. Add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking and ending up with mushy beans.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Taste before serving and add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. The ham often provides saltiness, so start light on salt and adjust gently.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free chicken stock and check that your meat is gluten-free, this recipe naturally fits into a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe is such a treasure to keep in your culinary lineup. It’s effortless to prepare, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for those days when you want a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal fuss. Give it a try and share the love—once you taste it, this dish might just become your new favorite go-to!
Print
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 7–8 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (high) or 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe that combines tender ham, fresh green beans, and flavorful potatoes slow-cooked to perfection in a savory chicken stock broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for an easy dinner with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
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 & Liquid
- 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 ham shank (or ham/sausage pieces) at the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring even layer for flavor infusion.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Layer the potatoes, chopped onions, and trimmed green beans on top of the ham. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients to season the dish thoroughly.
- Add liquid: Pour 4 to 6 cups of chicken stock over the layered ingredients, making sure the liquid covers the contents. Add extra chicken stock if needed to submerge the vegetables and meat sufficiently for slow cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and the ham is hot and flavorful.
- Serve: If using a ham shank, carefully remove the bone before serving. Ladle the filling mixture into bowls or plates and serve hot as a balanced, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly salt, depending on the saltiness of your ham or sausage.
- Using fresh green beans is recommended for the best texture; frozen can be used but may be softer.
- For thicker broth, you can reduce the amount of chicken stock slightly or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
