Crockpot green beans, potatoes and ham are one of those dishes that everyone keeps going back for. It's easy to toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. The green beans turn out tender, and the ham and potatoes are full of flavor. This can be a whole meal made from leftover ham or serve as a hearty side dish.
This simple green bean dish is perfect for using up leftover Easter ham or holiday ham, and it’s one I find myself making again and again. I usually serve it as a side dish, but it’s so hearty and satisfying that it can easily work as a main dish too, especially with some fresh rolls or a slice of warm bread on the side. The green beans cook down until they’re perfectly tender, and the ham adds so much flavor that everything in the pot just comes together in the best way.
One of the things I love most about these crockpot green beans, potatoes and ham is how hands-off they are. You can add everything to the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you focus on the rest of your meal or just enjoy a slower pace. It makes a generous batch as written, and it’s easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd. It’s a great option for Sunday dinner or anytime you want something simple, comforting, and easy to share.
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Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans – Wash and snap the ends off before using. Look for beans that are firm and bright green without spots. You can substitute frozen green beans if needed, but they will be softer.
- Ham – Use leftover ham or a ham steak cut into cubes. Choose a well-seasoned ham for the best flavor. You can substitute smoked sausage if preferred.
- Chicken Broth – Use a good-quality broth or stock as it adds flavor and helps everything cook evenly. You can substitute vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, though the flavor will be lighter.
- Russet Potatoes – Peel and cut into large, even pieces so they cook evenly. You can substitute red potatoes, Yukon golds, or even sweet potatoes.
- Onion Powder – Adds a mild onion flavor without extra prep. You can substitute diced fresh onion for a stronger flavor.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors. Adjust based on how salty your ham is. You can use seasoned salt if you want a little extra flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle garlic flavor throughout the dish. You can substitute minced fresh garlic for a bolder taste.
- Black Pepper – Adds a little warmth and depth. Freshly ground pepper will give the best flavor, but pre-ground works just fine.
See recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
- Add the green beans to the bottom of the crockpot or slow cooker. Top with the potatoes and ham. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture. Sprinkle on the onion powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or until the vegetables are tender. Give the pot a gentle stir so everything is combined. Season with extra salt if necessary.
Hint: Cube the potatoes into even pieces so they cook at the same rate. If you use baby red potatoes, they may not need to be cut.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Swap the meat – Use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or bacon instead of ham for a different flavor.
- Change the potatoes – Try red potatoes or Yukon golds for a creamier texture, or use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
- Use fresh onion – Replace the onion powder with diced onion for more texture and a stronger flavor.
- Make it spicy - Add a few jalapenos or serrano peppers for a spicy kick.
- Make it sweet – Add a few tablespoons of brown sugar just before serving for sweetened green beans.
- Add extra vegetables – Toss in carrots, mushrooms, or even cabbage to stretch the dish and add more variety.
- Swap the seasoning – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a little smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Use canned or frozen green beans – Fresh is best for texture, but canned or frozen can be used in a pinch. The result will be much softer beans but it will still taste great.
- Make it vegetarian – Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies or beans for more substance.
Equipment
A basic 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe and gives everything enough room to cook evenly without crowding. If you’re feeding a larger group or planning to double the recipe, you might want to go a little bigger. I like one with simple low and high settings, but a programmable crock pot with a timer and warm setting can be helpful if you’re not going to be home while it cooks.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as it sits, making it just as good the next day. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep everything from drying out.
You can freeze the leftovers, but keep in mind the texture of the potatoes and green beans may be softer after thawing. Let everything cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as usual.
Top Tips
- Look for pre-snipped green beans at the store to save a little prep time.
- Cut the potatoes into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Use a flavorful ham since it seasons the entire dish as it cooks.
- Begin with less salt and check for seasoning after cooking as the ham adds a fair amount of saltiness.
- Add a small amount of brown sugar if you like a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Do not overcook as the green beans and potatoes can become mushy.
- Give everything a gentle stir at the end so the flavors are well combined.
- Taste before serving and adjust the salt since ham can vary in saltiness.
FAQ
This recipe cooks for 3-4 hours so I prefer to time it so it is done with my main dish. You can, however, prep everything and store it in the fridge for several hours before cooking, or fully cook it and reheat when ready to serve.
Yes, you can cook it on low for about 6–7 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
You can easily double this recipe in a 6-quart slow cooker. To triple, you will need an 8-quart crock pot or larger.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re serving these crock pot green beans, ham and potatoes as the main dish, add something simple like warm bread or rolls to soak up the broth. I love pairing it with cheesy beer bread or dinner rolls, along with something fresh like a classic house salad or vinegar coleslaw.
If you’re serving these potatoes and green beans as a side, it works really well with simple mains like pan fried chicken tenders, cast iron chicken breast, or Air Fryer pork chops, and you could even add something like these easy baked chicken legs to round things out.
Related
Looking for more easy crockpot recipes? Try these:
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RECIPE
Crockpot Green Beans Potatoes and Ham
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot 6 quart or larger
Ingredients
- 16 Ounces Fresh Green Beans washed and ends snapped
- 16 Ounces Ham cubed
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 4 Large Russet Potatoes peeled and quartered
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Add the green beans to the bottom of the crockpot or slow cooker. Top with the potatoes and ham. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture. Sprinkle on the onion powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper.Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or until the vegetables are are tender. Give the pot a gentle stir so everything is combines. Season with extra salt if necessary.
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