Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 4
- Set it and forget it! This Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans recipe practically cooks itself
- Budget-friendly meal that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty family dinner
- Perfect for busy weeknights with just 15 minutes of hands-on time
- Rich, savory flavor that develops beautifully during slow cooking
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
Ever found yourself staring into the refrigerator at 5 PM with no dinner plan? This Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans recipe is your solution.
This classic comfort dish combines tender green beans with savory chunks of ham in a flavorful broth that develops amazing depth as it simmers. The slow cooker does all the hard work, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas all day.
Best of all, this Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans recipe requires minimal effort – just 15 minutes of prep in the morning rewards you with a complete meal by dinner time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you’d rather spend time with family than in the kitchen.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 285 | – |
| Total Fat | 10g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 890mg | 39% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sugars | 8g | – |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Vitamin A | – | 15% |
| Vitamin C | – | 30% |
| Calcium | – | 8% |
| Iron | – | 15% |
Everything You’ll Need for Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
Complete Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ham | 1½ pounds | Cubed or roughly chopped |
| Fresh green beans | 2 pounds | Ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Diced (about 1 cup) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced (about 1 tablespoon) |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Red potatoes | 1 pound | Quartered (optional, about 4-5 medium potatoes) |
| Bay leaves | 2 | Whole |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Salt | To taste | Use sparingly – ham is naturally salty |
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 6-quart slow cooker | Main cooking vessel |
| Cutting board | For prepping vegetables and ham |
| Sharp knife | For chopping ingredients |
| Measuring cups | For liquids and larger ingredients |
| Measuring spoons | For smaller ingredient amounts |
| Wooden spoon | For mixing ingredients |
| Colander | For draining green beans if using frozen |
| Can opener | If using canned broth |
Ingredient Substitutions for Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
- Ham: Smoked turkey legs, smoked sausage, or even bacon can work
- Fresh green beans: 2 pounds frozen green beans (thawed and drained) or 4 cans (drained and rinsed)
- Chicken broth: Vegetable broth, water with bouillon cubes, or even plain water with extra seasonings
- Red potatoes: Russet potatoes (peeled and chunked), sweet potatoes, or skip entirely for lower carbs
- Yellow onion: White onion, shallots, or 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Fresh garlic: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 tablespoon pre-minced garlic from a jar
Detailed Step-By-Step Instructions for Beginners
Preparation Phase (15 minutes)
- Gather all ingredients and equipment
- Place your slow cooker on the counter and plug it in
- Check that your slow cooker is clean and the ceramic insert has no cracks
- Set out all ingredients on your counter
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Prepare your workspace
- Clear adequate counter space for chopping
- Place your cutting board on a stable surface
- Have a trash can or compost bin nearby for scraps
- Fill a large bowl with cold water for washing vegetables
- Prepare the ham
- Unwrap ham and place on cutting board
- Using a sharp knife, cut ham into 1-inch cubes (about the size of a sugar cube)
- If using leftover ham with bone, cut meat away from bone but save the bone for extra flavor
- Place cut ham in a bowl and set aside
- Prepare the green beans
- Rinse green beans thoroughly under cold running water
- Place beans on cutting board or clean kitchen towel
- Trim both ends by lining up several beans and cutting off tips with one slice
- Cut beans into 2-inch pieces (about the length of your thumb)
- Place prepared green beans in a clean bowl
- Prepare the onion and garlic
- Cut off both ends of the onion and remove outer papery skin
- Cut onion in half from top to bottom
- Place flat side down and slice into thin half-moons
- Turn and cut across slices to create diced pieces (aim for ¼-inch pieces)
- For garlic, separate cloves from bulb
- Place flat side of knife on each clove and press firmly to crush
- Remove papery skin and finely chop garlic (pieces should be about the size of grains of rice)
- Prepare potatoes (if using)
- Rinse potatoes under cold water, scrubbing gently to remove dirt
- Cut potatoes into quarters (for medium potatoes) or eighths (for larger potatoes)
- Each piece should be roughly 1½ inches in size
- No need to peel if using red potatoes
Assembly Steps (5 minutes)
- Begin layering in the slow cooker
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on the bottom of the slow cooker insert
- Use a paper towel to spread oil around bottom and slightly up sides
- This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup later
- Add base ingredients
- Spread diced onions evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker
- This creates a flavor base and prevents ham from sticking
- Add ham layer
- Place cubed ham pieces on top of the onions in an even layer
- If you saved a ham bone, place it in the center at this point
- Add vegetables
- Add prepared green beans on top of the ham
- If using potatoes, add them now, distributing evenly
- Sprinkle minced garlic over everything
- Do not stir yet – layering helps ingredients cook properly
- Add liquids and seasonings
- Pour 2 cups of chicken broth evenly over all ingredients
- Add 2 whole bay leaves on top
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon black pepper evenly across the surface
- Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Important: Do not add salt at this point – ham contains sodium and will season the dish as it cooks
Cooking Phase (4-6 hours)
- Set your slow cooker
- Place lid securely on your slow cooker
- Make sure it’s seated properly with no gaps
- For faster cooking: Set temperature to HIGH
- For longer cooking (if you’ll be away all day): Set to LOW
- HIGH setting will cook for approximately 4 hours
- LOW setting will cook for approximately 6-8 hours
- Note: Every slow cooker is different – older models may take longer
- Mid-cooking check (optional but recommended for beginners)
- If possible, check once halfway through cooking time
- Quickly lift lid (pointing away from face to avoid steam burns)
- Gently stir ingredients to ensure even cooking
- Check liquid level – everything should be barely covered
- If too dry, add ¼ cup water or broth
- Replace lid immediately to maintain heat
- Note: Each time you remove the lid, add 15-20 minutes to cooking time
- Test for doneness
- Green beans should be tender but not mushy
- Ham should be heated through and tender
- Potatoes (if using) should be easily pierced with a fork
- If ingredients aren’t tender enough, continue cooking for 30-minute increments
Finishing Steps (5 minutes)
- Final adjustments
- Once cooking is complete, turn off slow cooker
- Carefully remove lid, tilting away from your face to avoid steam
- Remove and discard bay leaves (important – they’re not edible)
- Gently stir to mix all ingredients evenly
- Taste a small spoonful after cooling slightly
- Add salt only if needed (usually unnecessary)
- Thicken broth (optional)
- If you prefer a thicker consistency:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water
- Stir until completely smooth with no lumps
- Add mixture to slow cooker and stir gently
- Turn slow cooker to HIGH setting
- Cook uncovered for 15 additional minutes, stirring occasionally
- Broth should thicken slightly
- If you prefer a thicker consistency:
- Serve your Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
- Ladle into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of ham and vegetables
- For a complete meal, serve with:
- Cornbread or crusty bread for dipping
- A simple side salad
- Hot sauce or vinegar on the table for those who enjoy extra tang
Troubleshooting Your Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Green beans too crisp | Not enough cooking time or pieces too large | Cook an additional 30-60 minutes, or cut beans into smaller pieces next time |
| Green beans too mushy | Overcooked or cut too small | Next time, use larger pieces or check earlier in the cooking process |
| Too watery | Too much liquid or high-water content vegetables | Remove lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to evaporate excess liquid |
| Too salty | Ham was very salty or broth wasn’t low-sodium | Add a peeled, quartered potato to absorb excess salt, then remove before serving |
| Not enough flavor | Ham wasn’t smoky enough or too little seasoning | Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke or ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and a pinch more pepper |
| Potatoes not cooked through | Pieces too large or not enough cooking time | Remove potatoes, microwave for 2-3 minutes, then return to pot |
Variations & Substitutions for Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
Southern-Style Version
For an authentic southern Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans experience, add ¼ cup diced bacon and swap chicken broth for water with a ham bouillon cube. Many southern cooks also add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the saltiness. For more inspiration, check out these traditional ham creations that follow classic southern recipes.
Spicy Version
If you enjoy heat, double the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon and add 1 diced jalapeño with seeds removed. A dash of hot sauce before serving kicks the flavor up even more. This variation pairs beautifully with cornbread to balance the spice.
Herb-Enhanced Version
For a more aromatic Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans, add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano to the slow cooker before cooking. Stir in a handful of fresh chopped parsley in the last 30 minutes of cooking for brightness.
Low-Carb Version
Make your Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans low-carb by skipping the potatoes entirely. Serve over cauliflower rice instead for a complete meal that fits keto and low-carb diets.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Allow Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans to cool completely (no longer than 2 hours at room temperature)
- Transfer to airtight containers, distributing liquid evenly
- Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Pro tip: The flavor often improves after a day in the refrigerator!
Freezer Storage
- Cool completely before freezing
- Portion into freezer-safe containers
- Leave ½ inch of space at the top for expansion
- Label with “Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans” and the date
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- For easiest reheating, freeze in individual portions
Reheating Your Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
- Microwave Method:
- Place portion in microwave-safe bowl
- Cover loosely with microwave-safe lid or paper towel
- Heat on medium (70%) power for 2 minutes
- Stir thoroughly
- Continue heating in 30-second intervals until steaming hot (165°F)
- Stovetop Method:
- Place leftovers in a saucepan
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth if mixture seems dry
- Heat over medium-low heat
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- Heat until bubbling and reaching 165°F (about 5-7 minutes)
- Slow Cooker Method (for large portions):
- Place leftovers back in clean slow cooker
- Add ¼ cup water or broth
- Heat on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally
- Perfect for reheating when serving a group
Safety Notes & Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
Food Safety
- Always wash hands before and after handling raw meat
- Keep slow cooker on a heat-safe surface away from edges
- Never place frozen meat directly in the slow cooker – thaw completely first
- Food must reach 165°F to be safe for consumption
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking
- Never reheat leftovers more than once
Beginner-Friendly Tips
- Prep ahead: Chop all ingredients the night before and refrigerate separately
- Slow cooker liners: Use disposable liners for super easy cleanup
- Testing doneness: Green beans should be tender when pierced with a fork
- Even cooking: Don’t fill your slow cooker more than ¾ full
- Lid handling: Don’t open the lid unnecessarily – each peek adds 15-20 minutes to cooking time
- Make it a meal: For a one-pot dinner like this Instant Pot ham, green beans and potatoes, simply add quartered potatoes
Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans
- For deeper flavor, briefly sauté the onions and ham in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker
- Add a tablespoon of butter just before serving for richness
- For maximum flavor from ham, consider using a ham hock like in this ham hock recipe and adapting it for your slow cooker
- Fresh green beans provide better texture than canned
- The key to this dish is “low and slow” – resist the urge to rush it
- For maximum flavor, choose a bone-in ham piece rather than pre-cubed ham
- A splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving brightens all the flavors
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten-Free: This Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans recipe is naturally gluten-free (verify your broth is gluten-free)
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the potatoes for a low-carb version
- Sodium-Conscious: Use low-sodium ham and broth, and don’t add additional salt
- Dairy-Free: This recipe contains no dairy ingredients
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of cornbread or crusty bread for dipping
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the rich flavors
- For a heartier meal, serve over rice or mashed potatoes
- For a complete southern meal, add a side of coleslaw
- Offer hot sauce, vinegar, or lemon wedges at the table for personalized flavor adjustment
Pro Tip: This Crock Pot Ham and Green Beans recipe actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Consider making a double batch and enjoying the leftovers for lunch!
