Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes

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Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes

This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday ham or a thick ham steak for a nutritious, one-pot family dinner.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 4 hours (High) or 7–8 hours (Low)

  • Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • Ham: 1.5 to 2 lbs cooked ham (cubed) or a meaty ham bone/hock.

  • Potatoes: 2 lbs baby red potatoes (halved) or Yukon Golds (cubed).

  • Green Beans: 1.5 lbs fresh green beans (trimmed and snapped).

  • Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion (diced) and 3 cloves garlic (minced).

  • Liquid: 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water).

  • Seasoning: 1 tsp black pepper, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), and salt to taste.

Instructions

  1. Layer the Crockpot: Place the diced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

  2. Add Starches & Veggies: Add the halved potatoes followed by the fresh green beans.

  3. Add Protein: Top with the cubed ham or the ham bone.

  4. Season & Pour: Sprinkle with black pepper and red pepper flakes. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture until the potatoes are mostly submerged.

  5. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.

  6. Finish: Taste before adding salt—the ham usually provides enough sodium. Stir gently and serve in bowls with a bit of the cooking liquid.

Tips & Notes

  • Potato Choice: Use waxy potatoes (Red or Yukon Gold). They hold their shape during long cook times, whereas Russets may turn to mush.

  • Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh green beans provide the best texture. If using canned, add them in the last 30 minutes so they don’t disintegrate.

  • The “Pot Liquor”: Don’t toss the liquid! It’s packed with nutrients and flavor. Serve this dish with crusty bread or cornbread to soak it up.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimates based on standard ingredients:

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Protein: 24g

  • Total Fat: 7g

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Fiber: 6g

  • Sodium: 980mg (Varies based on ham saltiness)

Benefits

  • High Protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle repair.

  • Potassium Rich: Thanks to the potatoes, this meal helps regulate blood pressure.

  • Low Effort: Minimal chopping and zero active stove time.

  • Excellent Leftovers: Like most stews, the flavor actually improves the next day.

Q&A

Q: Can I use a ham bone instead of cubed ham? A: Absolutely. In fact, a ham bone with some meat left on it provides a deeper, silkier flavor due to the marrow and collagen. Just shred the meat off the bone before serving.

Q: Why are my green beans turning brown? A: Long cooking times will cause green beans to lose their bright green color and turn an olive hue. This is normal for slow-cooked Southern-style beans and means they’ve absorbed the smoky ham flavor.

Q: Can I overcook this? A: While hard to do in a slow cooker, if left on “High” for too long, the potatoes will eventually break down and thicken the broth into a mash. Stick to the recommended times for the best texture.

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