Introduction
Looking for a hearty, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights? Look no further than this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe. This one-pot meal combines tender ham, flavorful green beans, and savory potatoes, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also a breeze to make. Ideal for feeding the whole family, this recipe is a winner for those who love simple, comforting dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of diced ham (use leftover ham or pre-cooked ham cubes)
- 4 cups of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces, peel and dice the potatoes, and trim and cut the green beans. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Layer the Ingredients: In your Crockpot, layer the potatoes, green beans, and diced ham. Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic on top.
- Season and Add Liquids: Season the layers with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and pour in the chicken broth. This will help the flavors meld together and keep everything moist.
- Cook: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but the low setting is recommended for the best results.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, give everything a good stir to mix the flavors. Serve the ham, green beans, and potatoes hot, straight from the Crockpot. This meal pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
Tips for Success
- Use Leftover Ham: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham from holidays or special occasions. If you don’t have leftover ham, pre-cooked ham cubes from the store work just as well.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or corn for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Thickening the Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Information
This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It provides a good balance of protein from the ham, vitamins and minerals from the green beans and potatoes, and is relatively low in fat if you use lean ham.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution for a busy family dinner. With minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a warm, satisfying meal with very little effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips for Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Serving Tips
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. If you’re serving it right from the Crockpot, make sure it’s heated through and maintain a warm temperature until ready to serve.
- Side Dishes: Pair the meal with crusty bread or a simple salad to complement the rich flavors. A light vinaigrette salad can balance the hearty dish, while bread helps soak up the savory broth.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to enhance the presentation and add a touch of freshness.
- Portion Size: This recipe is hearty and filling, so a serving of about 1-2 cups per person is usually sufficient, depending on your family’s appetite.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish is cooled to room temperature before transferring to the fridge to avoid condensation and spoilage.
- Freezing: This meal freezes well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. For best quality, use within 2-3 months. Label the containers with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. For even reheating, heat on medium power in the microwave, stirring occasionally. On the stovetop, reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the dish seems dry after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to bring back moisture.
- Thawing: If frozen, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes remains delicious and ready to enjoy anytime!
1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans in place of fresh ones. If using frozen green beans, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Just add them directly to the Crockpot. Keep in mind that frozen green beans may release more moisture, so you might need to adjust the seasoning or cooking time slightly.
2. Can I substitute the ham with another protein?
Absolutely! If you prefer or need a different protein, you can substitute the ham with chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like tofu or tempeh. Adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if using raw meats, to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply omit the ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like carrots, corn, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Dice the ham, chop the vegetables, and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can also assemble everything in the Crockpot insert, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember to add the broth and seasonings right before cooking. If preparing in advance, cook the meal within 24 hours of assembling to ensure freshness.