🍲 Crockpot Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes
📝 Description
This is a classic, hearty comfort dish made with tender chunks of ham, fresh green beans, and soft potatoes simmered slowly in a savory broth. It’s simple, rustic, and packed with flavor—the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and your plate with satisfying goodness.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2–3 cups cooked ham, cut into chunks (or ham hocks)
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust based on ham saltiness)
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Wash and cut green beans, peel and cube potatoes, dice onion.
- Layer in crockpot: Add green beans first, then potatoes, onion, garlic, and ham on top.
- Add liquid: Pour in broth until ingredients are just covered.
- Season: Add pepper and a little salt (go light—ham is salty).
- Cook:
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
- Finish: Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use ham with bone if possible—it adds deeper flavor.
- Don’t over-salt early; taste at the end.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
- For thicker broth, mash a few potatoes into the liquid before serving.
- Fresh green beans work best, but canned can be used (add later).
🍽️ Servings
- Serves: 4–6 people
🔢 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 320–400
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbohydrates: 30–35g
- Fat: 10–15g
- Fiber: 5–7g
- Sodium: Varies (depends on ham)
🌱 Benefits
- Protein-rich from ham for muscle support
- High fiber from green beans and potatoes
- Comfort food that’s filling and budget-friendly
- One-pot meal = easy cleanup and prep
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use canned green beans?
A: Yes, but add them in the last 1–2 hours so they don’t get too soft.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Absolutely—simmer for about 1.5–2 hours until everything is tender.
Q: What if I don’t have ham?
A: Substitute with smoked turkey, bacon, or sausage for a similar flavor.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Store in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months.
Q: How do I make it healthier?
A: Use low-sodium broth, lean ham, and add extra vegetables like carrots or celery.