If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s effortless to prepare, the Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish beautifully combines tender ham with fresh green beans and perfectly cooked potatoes, all slow-cooked to meld flavors into a soulful, satisfying feast. It’s an ideal recipe for busy days or when you want a warm, nourishing dinner waiting for you at the end of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that each play an important role. From the savory ham that lends smoky richness to the crisp-tender green beans and hearty potatoes, every element brings essential texture, color, and flavor to the table.
- Ham shank or ham/sausage pieces: The star protein, delivering deep, smoky flavor and tender bites after slow cooking.
- Small red or yellow potatoes: These add a creamy, comforting starch element that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Large yellow onion: Offers sweetness and subtle bite, balancing the savory components perfectly.
- Fresh green beans: Add a pop of green color and a fresh, slightly crisp texture.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost the savory notes, layering flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element and bring harmony to the dish.
- Chicken stock: The cooking liquid that infuses everything with moisture and depth.
How to Make Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Base
Start by placing your ham shank or cut ham/sausage pieces right at the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a flavorful foundation as the slow cooking allows the smoky meat juices to permeate the dish, setting the savory tone for everything that follows.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, layer your potatoes, onions, and green beans on top of the ham. This layering ensures that the potatoes cook through without becoming mushy and the green beans retain a slight snap. Then, evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the entire mixture, seasoning every bite for a balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
Step 3: Add the Chicken Stock
Pour enough chicken stock over all the ingredients so the liquid covers them completely. This moist environment is key to slow cooking success, tenderizing the ham and vegetables alike. If you find the stock level is low, don’t hesitate to add a little more to keep everything perfectly hydrated throughout the cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. During this time, the ham becomes irresistibly tender, and the potatoes soak up the rich flavors while softening just right. When the green beans have reached a tender but not mushy texture, you’ll know the dish is ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, remove the ham shank bone if you used one. Dish out generous portions of the ham, green beans, and potatoes while hot for a satisfying, balanced meal that warms the soul. The flavors will have perfectly married by now, making every forkful a delight.
How to Serve Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. A small drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a luscious finish and extra depth to the dish.
Side Dishes
While this recipe truly stands on its own, you can complement it with a crisp garden salad or some buttery dinner rolls. These lighter sides balance the richness of the ham and potatoes, making the meal feel both hearty and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more vibrant presentation, serve this dish in rustic individual ramekins or cast iron skillets, allowing each guest to appreciate the mingling colors and textures. Alternatively, you can turn leftovers into a hearty hash by pan-frying the components with a touch of fresh herbs and spices for a delicious brunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for equally delicious reheated meals. Just be sure to cool the dish before refrigerating to preserve freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and label them with the date. When thawing, it’s best to move them to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, stirring halfway, to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used, but add them about halfway through the cooking time to prevent overcooking and losing their texture and vibrant color.
What type of ham works best for this recipe?
A ham shank with plenty of meat on the bone brings the richest flavor, but cubed smoked ham or smoked sausage works well too for convenience and a smoky bite.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the ham first, then layer the veggies and seasonings, add stock, and cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Not at all! Leaving the skins on red or yellow potatoes adds texture, nutrients, and a lovely rustic feel. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before cutting.
How can I adjust the seasoning if I want it spicier?
Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some smoked paprika along with the other seasonings to give the dish a gentle kick without overpowering the core flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe is an all-around winner that brings comfort, flavor, and ease right to your dinner table. I highly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how it fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and leaves everyone happily satisfied. Slow cooking has never felt so rewarding and simple!
Print
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe combines tender ham, fresh green beans, and hearty potatoes slow-cooked together for a flavorful and easy one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
Liquids
- 4–6 cups chicken stock, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Place the ham shank (or alternatively the cut ham or smoked sausage pieces) at the bottom of the crockpot to serve as the base for the flavors.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Layer the potatoes, chopped onion, and green beans evenly on top of the ham. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the layered ingredients to season.
- Add liquid: Pour 4 to 6 cups of chicken stock over all the ingredients, making sure the liquid covers them fully. Add extra stock if necessary to ensure everything is submerged.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high heat for approximately 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the ham is thoroughly heated and flavorful.
- Serve: If using a ham shank, carefully remove the bone before serving. Serve the dish hot as a wholesome, balanced meal perfect for dinner.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage for ham if preferred or based on availability.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, particularly salt and pepper, before serving.
- Using fresh green beans ensures the best texture but frozen can be used as a substitute, added later in cooking to avoid over-softening.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce excess liquid.
- This is a great meal for make-ahead; leftovers reheat well.
