- Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes: A Hearty, Comforting Meal with Minimal Effort
There’s nothing quite like a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare, comforting, and packed with flavor. Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is the ultimate dish for busy weeknights, offering a delicious combination of tender ham, hearty potatoes, and savory green beans—all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish delivers big on flavor and is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a hassle-free meal, this Crockpot recipe has you covered.
What makes this recipe truly irresistible is the way the flavors meld together as the ingredients cook slowly, allowing the ham to soak up the savory broth and spices, while the potatoes and green beans become tender and flavorful. It’s a satisfying, wholesome meal that requires little hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days.
Ingredients Breakdown:
1 pound of boneless ham, cut into bite-sized pieces: Ham adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish and serves as the protein base. Boneless ham is easy to work with and ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed: Green beans provide a pop of color and texture, adding a fresh, earthy contrast to the hearty potatoes and savory ham.
1 pound of baby potatoes, halved or quartered: Baby potatoes are perfect for slow cooking. They absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings while staying firm and creamy inside. They make for a hearty and filling addition to the meal.
1 onion, diced: Onion brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor, creating a savory base for the dish that complements the ham and potatoes.
3 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic adds a rich, aromatic element to the dish, infusing it with warmth and complexity that enhances the other ingredients.
1 teaspoon of dried thyme: Thyme adds a subtle earthy, herbal note, complementing the richness of the ham and potatoes.
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary: Rosemary offers a piney, fragrant flavor that elevates the dish with its robust taste.
1 teaspoon of paprika: Paprika brings a touch of smokiness and a hint of sweetness, adding depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon of salt: Salt is essential for balancing the flavors, drawing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and enhancing the savory elements of the ham.
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper: Black pepper provides a mild heat that balances the other flavors, making the dish more complex and well-rounded.
1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth: Broth infuses the ingredients with flavor as they cook, creating a savory base that pulls everything together. Choose chicken broth for a richer taste or vegetable broth for a lighter option.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
1. Prepare the ingredients: Begin by cutting the boneless ham into bite-sized pieces. Trim the green beans and halve or quarter the baby potatoes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Layer the crockpot: Add the ham, green beans, baby potatoes, onion, and garlic to your crockpot. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Season the dish: In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the ingredients in the crockpot.
4. Add the broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring that everything is well-covered. This will create a flavorful base for the slow cooking process.
5. Cook the meal: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. You have two options depending on how much time you have:
Low: Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked to your liking.
High: Cook for 3-4 hours, for a quicker result, but still with all the delicious flavor.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together, give everything a gentle stir and serve hot. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe is beloved for several reasons:
Minimal prep time: Simply chop, season, and let your crockpot do the work. No complicated steps here—just dump and go.
Comforting and hearty: With tender ham, creamy potatoes, and flavorful green beans, this dish is filling and satisfying, making it the perfect meal for any day of the week.
Versatile and adaptable: You can easily adjust the seasonings based on your preferences, or swap out the green beans for another vegetable, like carrots or corn, to suit your tastes.
Budget-friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable, making this an easy and economical way to feed your family without breaking the bank.
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Pro Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Brown the ham first: If you have a bit of extra time, consider browning the ham pieces in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This will add extra flavor and a delicious caramelization to the ham.
Add extra vegetables: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables such as carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Make it spicier: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the seasoning mix. It will complement the savory ingredients beautifully.
Thicken the broth: If you’d like a thicker broth at the end of cooking, simply remove some of the liquid and mix it with a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour before stirring it back into the crockpot. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes with a side of fresh dinner rolls or garlic bread to mop up the flavorful broth.
A simple side salad with mixed greens, a light vinaigrette, and some crumbled bacon would complement the richness of the ham and potatoes.
For a more indulgent meal, pair it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or cornbread for added comfort.
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Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Recipe
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is the epitome of a simple, satisfying, and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that’s full of comforting flavors and tender textures. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and meld together, ensuring each bite is packed with delicious, savory goodness. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish that’s perfect for a busy weekend, this recipe has you covered. Try it today, and enjoy the effortless, comforting magic of a crockpot meal!
