When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a slow-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with warm, savory aromas. Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes is a Southern-inspired classic that brings together tender vegetables and smoky ham for the perfect one-pot family dinner. It’s hearty, wholesome, and satisfying — the kind of dish that makes you want seconds every single time.
Table of Contents
🥘 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about tossing simple ingredients into a slow cooker and letting time work its magic. The result? A perfectly seasoned meal where the flavors of green beans, potatoes, and ham blend together in harmony.
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:
- Effortless cooking: Just set it and forget it!
- Comforting flavor: A perfect balance of salty ham, earthy potatoes, and tangy vinegar.
- Family-friendly: Great for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
- Nutritious and hearty: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from fresh veggies.
🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans (trimmed and halved) | 1 pound |
| Large onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
| Ham (cut into 1-inch cubes) | 1 pound |
| Potatoes (peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces) | 4 large |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt (adjust as needed) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
🔪 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. This step adds a rich flavor foundation to your dish that you simply can’t skip.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker. Add in the fresh green beans, cubed ham, and chopped potatoes. Sprinkle with black pepper and salt, adjusting based on how salty your ham is.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Vinegar
Pour the chicken broth evenly over the ingredients. This not only keeps everything moist but also helps infuse the vegetables and ham with deep, savory flavor. Drizzle the apple cider vinegar on top — it adds a hint of tanginess that beautifully balances the richness of the ham.
Step 4: Let It Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are soft but not mushy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to mix the flavors. Serve it hot, straight from the slow cooker. Each spoonful brings together smoky ham, tender potatoes, and perfectly seasoned green beans — pure comfort in a bowl.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits for a classic Southern combo.
- A side of coleslaw for some crunch and freshness.
- Pickled beets or sweet relish to add a tangy contrast.
You can also refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days — it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld even more.
💡 Tips for Perfect Results
- Use smoked ham or leftover holiday ham for extra depth of flavor.
- Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar — it keeps the dish from tasting too heavy.
- If you like your green beans firmer, add them halfway through cooking.
- For a creamier texture, mash a few of the potatoes before serving.
🧮 Nutrition and Calories Table
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 890 mg |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sugar | 4 g |
💚 These values are estimates and can vary based on your ingredients and portion size.
🌿 Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a cozy hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a big family or looking for a make-ahead meal for busy nights, this dish delivers both flavor and comfort.
So grab your slow cooker, load it up, and let it do the work while you enjoy the savory scent filling your kitchen. The result is a timeless, heartwarming dinner that everyone will love — bite after delicious bite.
For More Recipes Visit: www.waniarecipes.com