If you’re looking for a true comfort food meal that’s hearty, simple, and full of flavor, this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those timeless dishes that reminds you of family dinners, cozy evenings, and food that really warms the soul. Everything cooks together in your slow cooker, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a meal that practically makes itself.
This recipe is especially great if you’ve got leftover ham from the holidays, but you can also grab a smoked ham steak or diced ham from the store. When combined with tender potatoes and fresh green beans, it creates a meal that’s filling and satisfying without being complicated.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 pounds ham, diced (leftover ham, ham steak, or smoked ham all work well)
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (enough to cover the ingredients)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust depending on how salty your ham is
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Peel and cube the potatoes into medium-sized chunks, trim and cut the green beans, and chop the onion. Dice your ham into bite-sized cubes.
- Layer the crockpot: Place the ham at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the potatoes and green beans on top, followed by the onion and garlic.
- Season and add broth: Sprinkle in the black pepper and salt (be cautious with the salt since ham is usually salty on its own). Pour the chicken broth over the top until everything is just covered. If you’d like a little more richness, you can add a tablespoon of butter as well.
- Cook low and slow: Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the flavors well combined.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the broth and adjust seasonings as needed. Some hams will release a lot of flavor, so you may not need to add much more salt.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the ham, potatoes, and green beans into bowls for a complete meal. It’s delicious served on its own, but you can also pair it with cornbread or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
Tips and Variations
- Use leftover ham: This recipe is perfect for using up holiday ham after Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
- Smoked flavor boost: If you enjoy a smokier taste, consider using smoked ham hocks instead of diced ham. Just remove the bones before serving.
- Add more veggies: Carrots or celery can be added for extra flavor and color.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream right before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the definition of simple, homestyle cooking. It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal, it’s budget-friendly, and it requires minimal effort thanks to the crockpot. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to soak up all the flavor from the ham and broth, while the green beans stay tender but not mushy.
It’s one of those recipes you can throw together in the morning and come back to later in the day with dinner already done. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
