Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

There’s nothing more comforting than coming home to a slow cooker filled with a warm, hearty meal. The first time I made Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes, I had leftover ham from a holiday dinner and wanted an easy recipe that would feed the whole family.

After a few hours in the crockpot, the ham became incredibly tender, the potatoes soaked up the savory broth, and the green beans cooked to perfection. It quickly became one of our favorite one-pot meals because it’s simple to prepare, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

If you’re looking for an easy, satisfying meal with minimal prep, this Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

  • Easy one-pot comfort food.
  • Perfect for using leftover ham.
  • Tender potatoes and flavorful green beans.
  • Minimal prep with hands-off cooking.
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients for Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

This Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that slowly cook together to create a rich, flavorful meal just like the one shown in the photo.

Ingredient Notes

Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

  • Cooked Ham: Leftover holiday ham works perfectly, but ham steak or thick-cut deli ham also makes a great substitute. Dice it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Baby Yellow Potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up well during slow cooking without falling apart. You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
  • Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans stay tender while keeping a pleasant texture. Trim the ends before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and builds flavor as it slowly cooks with the ham and vegetables.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the broth a rich, savory depth that complements the smoky ham.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the dish while keeping the potatoes and green beans moist throughout cooking.
  • Unsalted Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness and creates a silky, comforting broth.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings together herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for balanced flavor without overpowering the ham.
  • Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and enhances the savory ingredients. Taste before adding extra salt since the ham naturally contains plenty.
  • Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the finished dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll create Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with tender vegetables and savory ham in every spoonful. It’s an easy slow cooker meal the whole family will enjoy.

How to Make Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

This Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is incredibly simple, but taking a few extra minutes to prepare the ingredients properly helps create a rich, flavorful meal. As everything slowly cooks together, the potatoes become tender, the green beans soak up the savory broth, and the ham adds delicious smoky flavor to every bite.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

  • Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. If the potatoes are larger than bite-sized, cut them into halves or quarters so they cook evenly.
  • Trim the stem ends from the fresh green beans and discard them. Leave the beans whole or cut them into smaller pieces if preferred.

  • Dice the cooked ham into approximately 1-inch cubes so every serving includes plenty of ham.
  • Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

2. Layer the Ingredients

  • Place the potatoes into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Since potatoes take the longest to cook, placing them on the bottom helps them become perfectly tender.

Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

  • Add the diced ham over the potatoes.
  • Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the ham.
  • Finally, place the fresh green beans on top.

3. Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour the chicken broth evenly over all of the ingredients.

Add:

  • Butter
  • Italian seasoning
  • Black pepper

Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

Gently stir everything together just enough to distribute the seasonings without breaking the potatoes.

Avoid adding additional salt at this stage because the ham naturally seasons the broth as it cooks.

4. Slow Cook

  • Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
  • Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours for the most tender vegetables and the richest flavor.
  • If you’re short on time, cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Avoid lifting the lid while cooking. Every time the lid is removed, valuable heat escapes and increases the cooking time.

5. Check for Doneness

  • About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the lid and test one of the larger potato pieces with a fork.
  • The potatoes should be soft enough to pierce easily without falling apart.
  • The green beans should be tender while still holding their shape, and the ham should be heated through and infused with the flavorful broth.
  • Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add extra black pepper if desired. Most recipes won’t require additional salt because the ham provides plenty of seasoning.

6. Finish the Dish

  • Stir the ingredients gently one final time to combine the broth with the vegetables and ham.
  • Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

  • If you’d like a richer finish, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter just before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy

  • Ladle the Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes into bowls, making sure each serving includes tender potatoes, green beans, diced ham, and plenty of the savory broth.
  • Serve hot with warm crusty bread or homemade biscuits to soak up every last spoonful of the flavorful broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes is an easy slow cooker recipe, avoiding these common mistakes will help you get the best results every time.

Using Too Much Salt
  • Since ham is already salty, wait until the end of cooking before deciding whether the dish needs additional salt.
Cutting the Potatoes Too Large
  • Large potato pieces take much longer to cook. Cutting them into evenly sized chunks helps everything finish cooking at the same time.
Overcooking the Green Beans
  • Fresh green beans hold up well in the slow cooker, but cooking them much longer than recommended can make them overly soft.
Adding Too Little Broth
  • The broth keeps the vegetables moist while creating the comforting, savory base of the dish. Make sure there’s enough liquid to partially cover the ingredients.
Removing the Lid Too Often
  • Keep the lid closed throughout most of the cooking time. Each time it’s lifted, heat escapes and extends the cooking time by several minutes.

Variations

One of the best things about Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes is how easy it is to customize using ingredients you already have at home.

  • For a richer broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  • Add sliced carrots or celery for extra vegetables, or include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
  • If you enjoy garlic, roast a whole head of garlic and stir the soft cloves into the broth before serving.
  • You can also replace the ham with smoked sausage or kielbasa for a different twist on this comforting meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

Making Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes is simple, but a few helpful tips will make the dish even more flavorful and ensure perfectly tender vegetables every time.

Use Leftover Ham
  • Leftover holiday ham adds the best smoky flavor and stays tender during slow cooking. Ham steak or thick-cut ham also works well if you don’t have leftovers.
Choose Waxy Potatoes
  • Baby Yukon Gold or baby yellow potatoes hold their shape better than Russet potatoes. They become creamy without falling apart during the long cooking time.
Use Fresh Green Beans
  • Fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor. They stay tender while maintaining a slight bite, making the finished dish more enjoyable.
Let the Ham Flavor the Broth
  • Since the ham naturally seasons the broth, wait until the end of cooking before adding extra salt. A final taste test helps you avoid an overly salty meal.
Finish with Fresh Herbs
  • A sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving brightens the rich broth and adds fresh color to the finished dish.

What to Serve With Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

This hearty slow cooker meal pairs wonderfully with fresh bread and comforting side dishes.

Serve Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes with Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread to soak up every spoonful of the savory broth. The crispy crust and soft interior make it the perfect companion.

For a lighter side, Tomato Salad with Arugula and Bacon adds fresh, peppery flavors that balance the richness of the ham and potatoes.

If you’re feeding a crowd, Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake makes another comforting main dish that pairs beautifully with this slow-cooked classic for holiday gatherings or family dinners.

Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

Other delicious serving ideas include:

  • Homemade biscuits
  • Cornbread
  • Dinner rolls
  • Coleslaw
  • Macaroni salad
  • Cucumber salad
  • Roasted carrots
  • Applesauce
  • Deviled eggs
  • Sweet tea

Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or preparing an easy weeknight dinner, Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes is a comforting recipe you’ll make again and again. With tender vegetables, smoky ham, and a rich, savory broth, every bowl delivers classic homemade flavor with very little effort.

How to Store Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

One of the best things about Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes is that the flavors become even better the next day, making it an excellent meal for leftovers and meal prep.

  • Allow the dish to cool for about 20 to 30 minutes before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the desired portion in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth if needed. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.

For longer storage, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing, but the overall flavor remains delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put raw potatoes in a crockpot with ham?
  • Yes. Raw potatoes cook perfectly in the slow cooker alongside the ham. As they cook, they absorb the flavorful broth and become tender without falling apart.
Do green beans get mushy in the slow cooker?
  • Fresh green beans hold their texture well when cooked for the recommended time. To keep them from becoming too soft, avoid overcooking and use fresh rather than canned green beans.
Can I make Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes ahead of time?
  • Absolutely. This recipe is ideal for meal prep. You can prepare all of the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them separately. The next day, simply add everything to the slow cooker and start cooking.
Can you freeze Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes?
  • Yes. Let the dish cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use canned green beans?
  • Yes, but fresh green beans provide the best texture. If using canned green beans, stir them in during the final 20 to 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t become overly soft.
What type of ham works best?
  • Leftover baked ham is the best option because it adds rich, smoky flavor. Ham steak or diced smoked ham also work well and require very little preparation.

This Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is the definition of comfort food. Tender potatoes, flavorful green beans, smoky ham, and a rich savory broth come together in one easy slow cooker meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or using up leftover holiday ham.

With minimal preparation and hands-off cooking, this recipe delivers hearty homemade flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with fresh bread or a simple salad for a complete meal your family will request again and again. Once you make this Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes, it’s sure to become one of your favorite slow cooker recipes.

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Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes is a hearty one-pot meal of tender veggies and savory ham cooked slow for Southern-style comfort.

Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

  • Author: kenzierecipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Crockpot Ham Green Beans and Potatoes is an easy one-pot comfort food recipe made with tender baby potatoes, fresh green beans, smoky ham, onions, and a rich savory broth. It’s the perfect slow cooker meal for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or using leftover holiday ham.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved if large
  • pounds cooked ham, diced into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut any large potatoes into evenly sized pieces.
  • Trim the ends from the green beans and chop the onion. Mince the garlic and dice the ham into bite-sized cubes.
  • Place the potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Add the diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh green beans.
  • Pour the chicken broth evenly over the ingredients.
  • Add the butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  • Stir gently to combine without breaking the potatoes.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked.
  • Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add salt only if necessary.
  • Stir gently, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm with plenty of the savory broth.

Notes

  • Leftover holiday ham works perfectly in this recipe.
  • Fresh green beans provide the best texture, but frozen green beans can also be used.
  • Avoid adding extra salt until the end because ham naturally seasons the broth.
  • For a richer broth, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter before serving.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 410
  • Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Protein: 35g

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