If you’re craving a comforting, all-in-one meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant combination of tender ham, hearty potatoes, and crisp green beans, all slow-cooked to perfection in a savory broth that brings out every flavor beautifully. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this dish is not only a breeze to prepare but also guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each element plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this recipe such a crowd-pleaser.
- Ham shank or ham/sausage pieces: Provides the rich, smoky foundation and keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Small red or yellow potatoes: Adds a creamy, tender texture and absorbs all the delicious juices during cooking.
- Yellow onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
- Fresh green beans: Offers a crisp freshness and vibrant green color for balance.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes with its mellow yet impactful taste.
- Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor while blending smoothly throughout.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other tastes.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and warmth without overpowering.
- Chicken stock: The flavorful liquid base that keeps everything moist and tender while intensifying the savory goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
The first step sets the tone for all the flavors that will develop. Place the ham shank or your chunks of ham or smoked sausage at the bottom of your crockpot. This allows the meat to slowly release its smoky richness throughout the cooking process, infusing the entire dish with warmth and depth.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, pile your potatoes, onions, and green beans on top of the ham. Don’t rush this part! Layering the vegetables properly ensures even cooking and helps create those delightful contrasting textures. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over everything for that perfect seasoning blend.
Step 3: Add the Chicken Stock
Pour in the chicken stock until it just covers the ingredients. This broth not only keeps the potatoes from drying out but also melds all those flavors into a harmonious, savory stew. If at any point during cooking it looks a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a little more stock to keep everything juicy and tender.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for around 4 hours. Patience is key here—the slow cooking melts the ham, softens the potatoes to just the right tenderness, and gets the green beans tender but still vibrant. When done, everything should be bursting with flavor and ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
If you used a ham shank, be sure to remove the bone before serving to avoid any surprises. Dish out generous portions while everything is hot and steamy for a fulfilling, balanced meal that looks just as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and bright contrast, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can bring out even more brightness and lift the savory flavors to another level. A dusting of freshly cracked black pepper also adds a rustic touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving with a crisp side salad or warm bread rolls. Cornbread or a soft baguette can be perfect for soaking up any remaining broth, ensuring nothing delicious goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve the ham, green beans, and potatoes straight from the crockpot or in a large rustic serving bowl to emphasize its homey charm. Alternatively, plating individual portions with a drizzle of the cooking juices and a garnish can make it feel special for guests or a cozy dinner date.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing the hearty flavors and satisfying textures.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water while reheating will help maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating and that fresh-from-the-crockpot taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used if fresh are not available. Add them in during the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking and maintain some texture.
What if I don’t have a ham shank? Can I use other meats?
Definitely! You can substitute with ham steak or smoked sausage, just cut into pieces. These will still provide plenty of smoky flavor to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt it by using the slow cook function or pressure cooking. For pressure cooking, cook on high pressure for about 25 minutes, then do a natural release.
How do I adjust the seasoning if I’m watching my sodium intake?
Use low-sodium chicken stock and reduce the salt added. You can also substitute garlic and onion powders with fresh garlic and onions to boost flavor without extra salt.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or even mushrooms can make great additions if you want to mix things up. Just cut them into roughly the same size as the potatoes to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes Recipe has a special place in my heart because it delivers on comfort and convenience every single time. It’s the kind of meal you come home to after a long day that warms you inside and out, without hours spent in the kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every delicious, simple bite with your loved ones just as much as I do!
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 Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe that combines tender ham with fresh green beans and potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection in savory chicken stock. Perfect for an easy family meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
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 the cut pieces of ham or smoked sausage at the bottom of the crockpot. This will provide flavor to the entire dish as it cooks.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Layer the potatoes, chopped onions, and green beans on top of the meat. Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients for balanced seasoning throughout.
- Add liquid: Pour chicken stock gently over everything, ensuring the liquid sufficiently covers the ingredients. Add more stock as needed to fully submerge the contents, which helps with even slow cooking and infuses moisture.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the ham is fully heated through and flavorful.
- Serve: If using a ham shank, carefully remove the bone before serving. Serve the dish hot for a filling and balanced meal ideal for family dinners.
Notes
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the ham or sausage used to avoid over-seasoning.
- Feel free to swap chicken stock with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
