One-Pot Comfort: Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans Meal

Hearty Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans

This delicious slow cooker ham potatoes and green beans recipe brings together the perfect combination of savory ham, tender potatoes, and fresh green beans for a complete meal that practically cooks itself. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Green Bean and Potato Recipe

This comforting slow cooker meal combines fresh green beans simmered to perfection with smoky ham hocks, tender new potatoes, and aromatic onions. The low and slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a hearty, home-style dish that tastes like it’s been cooking all day – because it has! Perfect for feeding a hungry family with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Ham Potatoes and Green Beans

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
• 1 large ham hock (about 1 pound)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste (ham is salty, so add with caution)
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham and Potatoes

1. Begin by trimming both ends of the green beans and cutting them into 2-inch pieces. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Aim for roughly equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of your slow cooker.
6. Add the ham hock on top of the onion mixture.
7. Layer the green beans and potatoes over the ham hock.
8. Pour the chicken broth over everything, then sprinkle with thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
9. Add the bay leaf, tucking it down into the liquid.
10. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are soft but not mushy.
11. About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the ham hock. Remove the meat from the bone, shred it, and return the meat to the slow cooker, discarding the bone and fatty pieces.
12. Gently stir to combine all ingredients, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed.
13. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Ham and Vegetables

• Fresh is best: While you can use frozen green beans in a pinch, fresh ones will give you the best texture and flavor.
• Ham options: No ham hock? Substitute with 1.5 cups of diced ham or a ham bone with some meat still attached.
• Potato varieties: Red potatoes or Yukon Golds work best as they hold their shape during slow cooking.
• Liquid level: Make sure the broth doesn’t completely cover the vegetables – you want them to steam rather than boil.
• Make ahead: This dish actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.

Variations to Try with Your Slow Cooker Green Bean Recipe

This slow cooker ham potatoes and green beans recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Cajun Style: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Bacon Twist: Replace the ham hock with 8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled.
• Vegetable Medley: Add 2 carrots (sliced) and 2 stalks of celery (chopped) for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Italian Flair: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream 15 minutes before serving for a richer dish.

Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

This hearty dish is practically a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

• A basket of warm cornbread or crusty sourdough bread
• A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Southern-style sweet tea or lemonade
• A slice of apple pie for dessert

Storage and Freezing Instructions

This slow cooker ham potatoes and green beans recipe makes excellent leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, or microwave in 1-minute increments until heated through.

Nutrition Information

FAQ About Slow Cooker Ham Potatoes and Green Beans

This classic slow cooker ham potatoes and green beans recipe is comfort food at its finest – simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want delicious leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this one-pot meal delivers every time!