Slow Cooker Green Beans Ham and Potatoes Recipe is one of my favorite comfort foods. This dish brings back memories of family dinners where the food was hearty, warm, and made with love. With a few simple ingredients, the slow cooker works its magic, turning fresh green beans, tender potatoes, and flavorful ham into a delicious meal.
Slow Cooker Green Beans Ham and Potatoes Recipe
For this recipe, I gathered some essential ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you will need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 pound potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great)
- 2 cups diced ham (I like to use leftover ham)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Green Beans Ham and Potatoes Recipe
Before I toss everything into the slow cooker, I like to prep my ingredients.
- First, wash and trim the green beans. Remove the tough ends to ensure they are tender when cooked.
- Next, peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic. These two ingredients are perfect for adding flavor to the dish.
Layering the Ingredients
When it comes to layering the ingredients in the slow cooker, I always find this part enjoyable. It’s like creating a beautiful tapestry of flavors.
- Start with the Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. They take the longest to cook, so it’s best to let them soak up all the flavors from the dish.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the potatoes. This layer will help infuse the potatoes with a wonderful aroma.
- Next, the Green Beans: Add the fresh green beans on top. Their bright color will add a nice touch to your dish.
- Finish with Ham: Finally, layer the diced ham on top of everything else. This will allow it to become flavorful as the dish cooks.
Seasoning the Dish
I find that seasoning is a game-changer in any recipe. For this slow cooker recipe, it’s essential to add the right spices to create a rich flavor profile.
- Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme over the layered ingredients.
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the entire mixture. This not only adds moisture but also helps the flavors to meld beautifully throughout cooking.
Cooking Time and Settings
Now it’s time to set the slow cooker.
- Low Setting: Cook for 6-8 hours on low. This method will allow the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to blend perfectly.
- High Setting: If you’re short on time, set it to high and cook for about 3-4 hours instead.
Stirring and Checking
Occasionally, I like to check in on my slow cooker. After about halfway through the cooking time, gently stir the ingredients. This helps to mix the flavors and ensures everything is cooking evenly.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s finally time to eat, the aroma in my kitchen is irresistible. This dish can serve as a complete meal on its own, but I often like to pair it with warm crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Serving Tips
- Serve hot straight from the slow cooker.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- For those who prefer a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Storing Leftovers
If there are any leftovers, I am always thrilled to have them for lunch. This dish stores beautifully.
- Refrigeration: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Reheating Suggestions
Reheating is simple.
- Microwave: Place your portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
- Slow Cooker: You can even warm it up again in the slow cooker on low for about an hour.
Variations of Slow Cooker Green Beans Ham and Potatoes Recipe
While I love this classic version of Slow Cooker Green Beans Ham and Potatoes, sometimes I like to change things up.
Additions
- Carrots: Adding chopped carrots introduces a subtle sweetness to the dish. Plus, they add a pretty color contrast.
- Corn: For a pop of sweetness, adding sweet corn kernels can brighten up the flavor.
- Seasonings: Experimenting with other herbs like rosemary or basil can bring a new twist to the flavor.
Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Green Beans Ham and Potatoes Recipe
One of the best parts about enjoying Slow Cooker Green Beans Ham and Potatoes Recipe is that it is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Green Beans: Give you essential vitamins and minerals, plus they’re low in calories.
- Potatoes: Offer a good source of carbs. They keep you full and provide energy.
- Ham: Adds protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth.
Slow Cooker Green Beans Ham and Potatoes Recipe has become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I love how easy it is, and the flavors that develop throughout the cooking process are simply delightful. Whether for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, it’s a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction.