Crockpot Ham Green Beans Potatoes

The smell of slow-cooked ham always takes me back to Sunday dinners at my Grandma Betty’s in Waco. While she spent hours fussing over the stove, my version is a hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it kinda deal – perfect for a busy mama like me. This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes recipe is a family favorite for a reason. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to throw together. I’ve made this countless times in my own Texas kitchen, tweaking it just right to ensure a flavorful and satisfying meal every single time. Prepare for a delicious, stress-free dinner that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

Why This Recipe Works

As a mom of two, I’m all about efficiency in the kitchen. This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes recipe delivers on that promise. Here’s why it’s a winner in my book:

• Minimal Effort: Just chop, drop, and go! The slow cooker does all the work.
• Kid-Approved: Even my little ones gobble this up, especially when I add a touch of brown sugar to the ham.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Complete Meal: Protein, veggies, and starch all in one pot – less clean-up is always a plus!

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb boneless ham roast
• 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down a few key ingredients and discuss some handy substitutions:

• Ham: I prefer a boneless ham roast for ease of slicing and serving. A bone-in ham can also be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully too!
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to because they hold their shape well during slow cooking and have a naturally buttery flavor. Red potatoes or even russet potatoes (though they might get a bit softer) are great alternatives.
• Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best, but frozen green beans can be used in a pinch. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a tangy depth of flavor that complements the ham perfectly. Yellow mustard can be substituted, but Dijon is definitely recommended for the best taste.
• Chicken Broth: This helps keep everything moist and adds flavor. You can also use vegetable broth or even just more water with a bouillon cube.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for a delicious Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes dinner.

1. Step 1: Prep the Ham. Place the ham roast in the bottom of your slow cooker. If your ham is particularly thick, you can score the top in a diamond pattern for better flavor penetration.
2. Step 2: Layer the Vegetables. Add the cubed potatoes, trimmed green beans, and chopped onion over the ham. The vegetables will cook beautifully in the ham’s juices and broth.
3. Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. The aroma of garlic and thyme as it cooks is simply divine!
4. Step 4: Prepare the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, water, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar (if using). Pour this mixture over the ham and vegetables. After testing this several times, I learned that this amount of liquid is perfect for keeping everything moist without being overly soupy.
5. Step 5: Slow Cook. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Step 6: Serve. Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the cooked potatoes and green beans from the slow cooker.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way to make this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes recipe even easier and more delicious:

• Prevent Mushy Potatoes: Don’t overcook the potatoes! If you’re cooking on high, check them after 3 hours to ensure they don’t get too soft.
• Kid-Friendly Tip: My kids love a little sweetness with their ham. Adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the sauce is a great way to get them to eat their veggies too!
• Time-Saving Hack: Chop the vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This will save you precious time during a busy weeknight.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different. Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking.
• Make it a Feast: Add other vegetables like carrots or celery for even more flavor and nutrients.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If your slow cooker is too full, the ingredients won’t cook evenly. Use a larger slow cooker or reduce the quantities.

Storage & Meal Prep

Here’s how to store and reheat your Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes for the best results:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
• Make-Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
• Batch Prep: Double or triple the recipe to make a large batch for meal prepping. Divide into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences? Here are a few substitutions and variations to try:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is also naturally dairy-free.
• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce or omit the added salt.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Smoked Sausage: Replace the ham with smoked sausage for a different flavor profile. I haven’t personally tested this variation, but I imagine it would be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare some of the components in advance. Chop the vegetables a day ahead and store them in the fridge. You can also mix the sauce ingredients together. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better for busy mornings.

How do I know when the ham is done?

The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The potatoes should also be tender when pierced with a fork.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

What if my potatoes are still hard after cooking for the recommended time?

If your potatoes are still hard, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes, or until they are tender. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the strength of your slow cooker.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! My kids love this recipe. Adding a touch of brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey can make it even more appealing to picky eaters.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Carrots, celery, and even corn would be delicious additions to this recipe. Just add them along with the other vegetables at the beginning of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few simple serving suggestions to elevate your dinner:

• Serve with a side of cornbread or dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Serve with a simple side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.

This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a surefire way to bring the family together around the dinner table. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, each cook adding their own little touch. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as mine does!

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