There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of crockpot ham green beans and potatoes, don’t you think? This dish is like a big hug on a chilly day! I remember the first time I made it; I had some leftover holiday ham and wanted to create something hearty and satisfying. Tossing everything into the crockpot felt like a magical shortcut to dinner! The beauty of this recipe is that it practically cooks itself while you go about your day. The result? Tender ham, fresh green beans, and fluffy potatoes all mingling together in a savory broth. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and trust me, your family will be asking for seconds. So, let’s dive in and make this delicious meal together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by layering the diced ham at the bottom of your crockpot. This will create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Next, add the fresh green beans and diced potatoes right on top of the ham. Don’t worry about being too precise; just spread them out evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion over the vegetables. The onion adds a lovely sweetness as it cooks down.
- Now, pour the chicken broth over everything. This is where all the magic happens, so make sure it covers the ingredients well!
- Season your dish with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste because we all have our preferences!
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it! It’s a true set-and-forget meal.
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of tender ham, fresh green beans, and fluffy potatoes creates a comforting meal that fills you up.
- Flavorful Goodness: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a savory dish that’s hard to resist.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the ham and fiber from the green beans and potatoes, it’s a balanced meal that’s good for you.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Leftover Friendly: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham, making it a great choice for post-holiday meals.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy this delicious meal for days to come!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your crockpot ham green beans and potatoes turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate this dish:
- Use Quality Ham: If you can, go for a good quality ham. It makes a world of difference in flavor! Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully, but even a store-bought smoked ham will add that delicious depth.
- Fresh Vegetables: Always opt for fresh green beans and potatoes when possible. They not only taste better but hold up nicely during the long cooking hours.
- Cut Uniformly: Try to dice your potatoes and ham into similar-sized pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly, so you won’t have some pieces mushy while others are still firm.
- Season Gradually: Start with the recommended garlic powder, salt, and pepper, but taste before serving! You can always add more seasoning to fit your personal taste.
- Don’t Lift the Lid! I know it’s tempting, but try not to peek while it’s cooking! Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and can extend the cooking time.
- Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Consider tossing in a bay leaf or some fresh thyme for an aromatic twist! Just remember to remove any woody stems before serving.
- Let it Rest: Once it’s done cooking, let the dish sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld even more and thickens the broth slightly.
With these tips in your back pocket, I just know your meal will be a hit! Enjoy the process—cooking is all about having fun and experimenting!
Variations
One of the best things about crockpot ham green beans and potatoes is how easily you can make it your own! Here are a few fun variations to suit your taste or to use up whatever you have on hand:
- Vegetable Medley: Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, corn, or even diced bell peppers. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly!
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs! Adding rosemary or thyme can bring an aromatic touch that complements the ham beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. It’ll give your dish a zesty twist that’s sure to wake up your taste buds!
- Different Broth: Instead of chicken broth, try using vegetable broth for a lighter option or even ham broth if you have it. It’ll enhance the flavor profile even more!
- Cheesy Addition: For a creamy twist, stir in some shredded cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cheddar or a smoky Gouda would be divine!
- Sweet Elements: Add a splash of maple syrup or honey for a hint of sweetness that beautifully balances the savory flavors. Just a tablespoon or two will do the trick!
- Vegan Twist: Swap out the ham for chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth. You can still enjoy a hearty meal packed with protein!
Mix and match these variations to create a dish that feels uniquely yours! Cooking is all about creativity and having fun, so don’t be afraid to get adventurous.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store and reheat your delicious crockpot ham green beans and potatoes! If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you’ll want to make sure they’re properly stored to keep all that flavor intact.
First things first, let your dish cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from forming in the container, which can make things soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It should keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days—perfect for some quick meals throughout the week!
Now, if you’re looking to store it for longer, you can freeze your leftovers! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, and try to remove as much air as possible. It’ll be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, I recommend using either the microwave or the stovetop. If you’re microwaving, place your portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a lid or a paper towel (to avoid splatters!), and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through. If you prefer the stovetop, just warm it gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it if needed.
And there you have it! Your crockpot ham green beans and potatoes can be enjoyed again and again with these simple storage and reheating tips. Enjoy every savory bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to meals, I love knowing they’re not only delicious but also nutritious! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for my crockpot ham green beans and potatoes. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not only hearty, but it also packs a protein punch from the ham and fiber from the veggies, making it a balanced option for any meal. Enjoy all those wholesome flavors with the comfort of knowing you’re fueling your body right!
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work perfectly in this crockpot ham green beans and potatoes dish. Just toss them in frozen; they’ll thaw and cook beautifully as everything simmers together!
What kind of ham should I use?
I recommend using diced ham from a bone-in ham or leftover holiday ham for the best flavor. You can also use smoked ham or even deli ham, but the taste will be milder.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding vegetables like carrots, corn, or even diced bell peppers. Just remember to cut everything into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
How do I know when the dish is done?
Your crockpot ham green beans and potatoes is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded together. If you’re cooking on low, it’ll take about 6-8 hours, or 3-4 hours on high.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the crockpot in the morning. Just remember to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook!
Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes: 7 Comforting Tips
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty dish featuring tender ham, green beans, and potatoes cooked in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Layer the diced ham at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add green beans and diced potatoes on top of the ham.
- Sprinkle chopped onion over the vegetables.
- Pour chicken broth over all ingredients.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Notes
- Try using leftover ham for added flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: crockpot ham green beans and potatoes
