Tender Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans: A Simple 6-Hour Recipe

Key Points:

• Perfect for busy weeknights – just 15 minutes of prep time
• Budget-friendly meal using leftover ham or ham shanks
• Makes 4 generous servings
• No pre-cooking needed – everything goes straight into the crock pot

A hearty, home-cooked meal doesn’t need hours of kitchen work. This crock pot ham and green beans recipe combines fresh vegetables with smoky ham for a filling dinner that practically makes itself.

Time Requirements

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Equipment Needed

• 6-quart crock pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander for washing beans

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed
• 1 pound ham chunks or ham shank
• 3 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Optional Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 bay leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Wash green beans thoroughly in cold water using a colander. Look for and remove any brown spots or damaged beans.
2. Trim the green beans:

• Hold a small handful of beans and line up the ends
• Cut off the stem ends with one slice
• Repeat for all beans
• For extra tender beans, trim both ends

1. Prepare the ham:

• If using ham chunks: Cut into 1-inch cubes, removing any excess fat
• If using ham shank: Remove any string or netting, leave whole
• Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture

1. Prepare the potatoes:

• Wash and scrub potatoes under cold water
• Peel potatoes using a vegetable peeler
• Cut each potato in half lengthwise
• Cut each half into 4-6 pieces (about 1-inch chunks)
• Place cut potatoes in cold water to prevent browning

1. Prepare the onion and garlic:

• Cut onion in half from top to bottom
• Peel off the skin and outer layer
• Place flat side down and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• For garlic, remove papery skin and either:
  • Mince with a knife by chopping finely
  • Or use a garlic press
  • Or use pre-minced garlic (2 teaspoons)

Assembly

1. Start with the crock pot base:

• Make sure your crock pot is clean and dry
• Spray with cooking spray if desired
• Spread diced onions evenly across the bottom

1. Add the meat:

• For ham chunks: Spread evenly over onions
• For ham shank: Place in center of pot
• Make sure larger pieces aren’t stacked

1. Layer the vegetables:

• Drain potatoes from soaking water
• Add potato chunks around the ham
• Add prepared green beans on top
• Try not to pack them too tightly

1. Add liquids and seasonings:

• Pour chicken broth carefully around the edges
• Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly
• Add minced garlic across the top
• If using optional ingredients:
  • Add butter in small pieces
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes
  • Tuck bay leaves into liquid

Cooking

1. Prepare for cooking:

• Check that nothing is stuck to the sides
• Make sure ingredients aren’t packed too tightly
• Liquid should come about halfway up the sides

1. Set your crock pot:

• Place lid securely on top
• For tender beans: Set to LOW for 6 hours
• For faster cooking: Set to HIGH for 4 hours
• Note the start time
• Don’t lift the lid for the first 3 hours

1. Check progress halfway through:

• Quickly lift lid (careful of steam!)
• Test bean tenderness with a fork
• Gently stir only if needed
• Replace lid immediately

1. Monitor the final hour:

• Check if more time is needed
• Beans should be very tender
• Potatoes should be easily pierced
• Ham should be heated through

Finishing

1. Test for doneness:

• Pierce several beans with a fork – should be very tender
• Check multiple potatoes in different spots
• Ham should be hot throughout
• Liquid should be slightly reduced

1. Final steps:

• Remove bay leaves if used
• Turn off crock pot
• Let rest with lid on for 10 minutes
• Stir gently to combine flavors

1. Taste and season:

• Carefully taste a small spoonful
• Add more salt/pepper if needed
• Stir in adjustments slowly
• Let sit 2-3 minutes after seasoning

1. Serving:

• Use a slotted spoon to serve
• Include some cooking liquid if desired
• Serve while hot
• Garnish with fresh pepper if desired

Troubleshooting Tips

• Beans too tough? Add 30 minutes cooking time
• Too much liquid? Remove lid for last 30 minutes
• Not enough flavor? Add more salt and pepper to taste
• Potatoes not done? Cut them smaller next time

Variations

• Swap ham for smoked turkey legs
• Add baby carrots for extra vegetables
• Use red potatoes instead of regular potatoes
• Mix in cabbage during the last hour

Storage and Reheating

• Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze portions for up to 3 months
• Reheat in microwave for 2-3 minutes
• Add splash of broth when reheating

Safety Notes

• Don’t lift lid too often during cooking
• Use pot holders when handling hot crock pot
• Check internal temperature of ham (145°F)
• Cool completely before storing

Dietary Notes

• Gluten-free (check broth ingredients)
• Dairy-free (if skipping optional butter)
• Low-carb option: skip potatoes
• High in protein and fiber

Remember: The key to perfect crock pot ham and green beans is layering ingredients properly and giving them enough time to cook. This lets the ham flavor the vegetables naturally.