SLOW COOKER GREEN BEANS AND HAM AND POTATOES: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe!

Table of Contents: Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes

Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes

Remember those cozy Sunday dinners at Grandma’s? The aroma of something delicious simmering all day, bringing the family together? This Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes recipe is designed to recapture that feeling.

It’s a classic comfort food slow cooker dish that’s unbelievably easy to make, yet delivers a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re looking for hearty side dish options or a simple, satisfying meal, look no further!

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a shortcut to a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. We all lead busy lives, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice delicious, wholesome food. The slow cooker does all the work, gently melding the smoky ham, tender potatoes, and vibrant green beans into a symphony of flavors.

It’s perfect for holidays when oven space is at a premium, a relaxed family dinner, or even a surprisingly easy weeknight meal. This recipe is a testament to the idea that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s one I’ve been perfecting for years. It’s the kind of dish that just feels like home. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors develop over time. Let’s get cooking and bring a little bit of that comforting nostalgia into your kitchen!

Alternate Names & Variations

This recipe goes by many names, depending on where you’re from! You might also hear it called “Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup” (though it’s not quite a soup!), “Southern Style Green Beans and Ham,” or simply “Ham and Potato Green Beans.”

Variations include adding a can of diced tomatoes for extra tang, a splash of hot sauce for a little heat, or swapping out new potatoes for red potatoes. For more ham and potato recipes, you can also try adding a bit of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.

Ingredients: Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

• * 2 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
• * 3 ham hocks (or 1 pound of cubed ham)
• * 1 large onion, chopped
• * 1 ½ pounds new potatoes, quartered
• * 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
• * 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• * 1 teaspoon onion powder
• * 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• * Ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. Prepare the Base: Place the quartered new potatoes and chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful foundation for the entire dish.
• 2. Add the Ham: Nestle the ham hocks (or cubed ham) amongst the potatoes and onions. Ham hocks impart a particularly smoky and rich flavor, but cubed ham works well for a quicker cooking time and easier serving.
• 3. Layer in the Green Beans: Arrange the rinsed and trimmed green beans on top of the potatoes and ham. Don’t worry about being too precise; they’ll all cook together beautifully.
• 4. Season Generously: Sprinkle the chicken bouillon granules, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt evenly over the green beans. Add a generous grind of black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but it’s harder to take it away!
• 5. Add Liquid: Pour in enough water to almost cover the ingredients. About 4-6 cups should do the trick, depending on the size of your slow cooker.
• 6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and the green beans should be cooked through but still slightly crisp. Chef’s Tip: Cooking on low for a longer period allows the flavors to meld more deeply.
• 7. Taste and Adjust: Once the cooking time is complete, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more seasoning salt or pepper.
• 8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this incredibly flavorful and comforting Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes!

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe is incredibly easy to throw together!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 350 per serving (estimate, varies with ham and potato type)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe works because of the magic of slow cooking. The long, gentle cooking process allows the flavors of the ham to infuse the potatoes and green beans, creating a deeply savory and satisfying dish. Using ham hocks specifically adds a richness that cubed ham sometimes lacks, as the bone marrow breaks down during cooking.

For an easy comfort food for family dinners, this recipe is a winner. A little trick I’ve learned is to add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar during the last hour of cooking. It brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tang. If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings – a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the potatoes may become slightly mushy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend undercooking the potatoes slightly to begin with. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be aware that the potatoes may become softer. If the sauce has thickened too much during reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out. This is a great hearty side dish to have on hand for quick and easy meals.

People Also Ask: Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes

How do you make green beans, ham, and potatoes in a slow cooker?

Making Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes is incredibly simple! You start by layering quartered new potatoes and chopped onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, add your ham (ham hocks are best for flavor!), followed by the trimmed green beans.

Season generously with chicken bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, and pepper. Finally, add enough water to almost cover the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal.

Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?

You can absolutely use either fresh or frozen green beans in this recipe! Fresh green beans will have a slightly brighter flavor and a bit more texture. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first – just add them directly to the slow cooker.

Keep in mind that frozen green beans may release more liquid during cooking, so you might need to adjust the amount of water you add. The convenience of frozen makes this a great option for a quick and easy comfort food slow cooker meal.

What kind of ham is best for this dish?

While you can use cubed ham, ham hocks are truly the star of this Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes recipe. Ham hocks impart a deep, smoky flavor that’s unmatched. They also release collagen during the long cooking process, which adds richness and body to the broth.

If you don’t have ham hocks, a smoked picnic ham or a leftover ham bone will also work well. Just be sure to use a ham that’s flavorful and not overly salty.

Is this a complete meal?

This Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes is a very substantial dish! It can certainly be a complete meal on its own, especially if you’re looking for something hearty and satisfying. However, it also pairs beautifully with other dishes.

Consider serving it with cornbread, a side salad, or a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the delicious broth. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your preferences.

Conclusion: Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham and Potatoes that will warm your heart and fill your belly. I truly believe this is a dish everyone should have in their repertoire. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it and experiment with different seasonings.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. And if you try this recipe, be sure to share a picture on social media – I always enjoy seeing your creations!

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