The cold settled in gently that morning, with frost painting silver edges on the backyard trees. My daughter had arrived the night before with her two little ones bundled in layers, cheeks rosy from the chill. There’s a rhythm to winter days when family is visiting: slow breakfasts, board games by the fire, and meals that warm from the inside out.

I wanted to make something comforting—a dish that didn’t require constant attention but would feed us all well. So while the house stirred awake, I stood at the kitchen counter, dicing ham, potatoes, and onions as steam from the kettle curled in the air: Crockpot Ham With Green Beans And Potatoes

By the time the grandkids were chasing each other through the hallways, the crockpot was already working its quiet magic. The scent of savory ham mingled with earthy potatoes and the freshness of green beans, filling the kitchen like a promise. We spent the afternoon wrapped in laughter and stories while dinner slowly came together.

No stress, no fuss—just a hearty, simple meal waiting for us. That evening, we gathered around the table, each bite steeped in flavor and memory. This dish turned a regular winter day into something worth remembering.

Short Description

A hearty one-pot meal of tender ham, green beans, and potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth. Ideal for cozy family dinners.

Key Ingredients

2 lbs of fresh green beans
2 lbs of ham, diced
4 baking potatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
3 cups water
Pepper, to taste

Tools Needed

Crockpot (slow cooker)
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cup
Ladle

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the green beans, trim the ends, and cut them in half if they’re long. Dice the ham, potatoes (leave the skin on or peel based on preference), and onion into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Load the Crockpot
Place the green beans, ham, potatoes, and onion into the crockpot. Pour in 3 cups of water and season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for about 6 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender, the green beans soft but not mushy, and the flavors fully melded.

Step 4: Taste and Serve
Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm in generous bowls. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Simple, wholesome ingredients

– Minimal prep and hands-off cooking

– Comforting and filling

– Budget-friendly and feeds a crowd

– Naturally gluten-free

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the green beans: Add the green beans halfway through the cook time if you prefer them with a slight bite.

Using very starchy potatoes: Stick to baking potatoes or red potatoes to avoid mushiness.

Under-seasoning: Pepper is the key here—don’t be shy with it. You can add garlic powder or a bouillon cube for depth.

Cutting pieces too large: Ensure all ingredients are cut evenly for consistent texture.

Too much water: Stick to 3 cups or the broth can dilute the flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve as a main dish with warm, crusty bread or homemade biscuits.

– Add a side salad with vinaigrette for contrast.

– For a heartier option, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

– Great for casual dinners, family-style meals, or potlucks.

Storage and Reheating Tips

– Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers.

– Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

– Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

– For the microwave, reheat in short intervals and stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh is best for texture, but canned can work in a pinch. Add them during the last hour of cooking.

2. What type of ham works best?
Leftover baked ham, smoked ham steak, or even thick-sliced deli ham works well.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Omit the ham and add mushrooms or plant-based sausage for umami flavor.

4. Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, but the texture of potatoes and green beans may soften. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

5. How can I thicken the broth?
Mash a few potatoes directly in the crockpot and stir, or make a quick cornstarch slurry and mix in during the last 30 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra flavor, sauté the onion and ham before adding to the crockpot.

– Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

– Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for freshness.

– Swap water with chicken broth for richer taste.

Recipe Variations

Southern Style: Add chopped bacon and cook the green beans a bit longer for a softer texture.

Herb-Infused: Add rosemary or thyme sprigs to the pot for a fragrant twist.

Cheesy Version: Stir in shredded cheddar during the last 30 minutes and let melt.

Smoky Flavor: Use smoked turkey or add a drop of liquid smoke.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this crockpot ham, green beans, and potatoes with my family reminded me why I treasure winter evenings. The ease of preparation gave me more time for what matters—being present.

It’s a recipe built on simplicity and heart, ideal for reconnecting over the dinner table. And honestly, meals like this have a way of lingering long after the plates are cleared. It’s more than just food; it’s a moment made edible. And I’ll be making it again the next time my kitchen is filled with the sound of little feet and laughter.

Crockpot Ham, Green Beans And Potatoes

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Nutrition facts: calories fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

2 lbs of fresh green beans
2 lbs of ham, diced
4 baking potatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
3 cups water
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for about 6 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender, the green beans soft but not mushy, and the flavors fully melded.