This Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans recipe is a simple, hearty meal all cooked in one pot. The tender ham, soft potatoes, and fresh green beans come together slowly to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days or when you want something easy and filling.
I love how the slow cooker does most of the work here. You just toss everything in, set it, and forget it while the flavors meld together. The ham adds a nice smoky touch that seasons the potatoes and green beans in the best way. It’s one of those meals that feels homemade without needing a lot of time or effort.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the crockpot onto a big family plate. It’s great for weeknight dinners or even for company because it’s so satisfying and makes plenty. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one dish. I always look forward to the cozy warmth this recipe brings to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: Using a ham steak or ham bone with meat adds wonderful smoky flavor and natural saltiness. If you’re avoiding pork, try smoked turkey or a seasoned chicken breast instead.
Potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes are great because they hold their shape well. You can swap for red potatoes or fingerlings if you like. Just keep pieces similar in size for even cooking.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a nice crisp texture at the end. Frozen green beans work too; just add them a bit earlier since they cook faster.
Herbs & Broth: Dried thyme and parsley give a gentle herbal note. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water with a splash of soy sauce can work fine.
How Do I Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker for Best Results?
Layering ingredients correctly helps everything cook evenly and keeps textures nice.
- Put potatoes in first—they need the longest time to cook and benefit from sitting at the bottom with the liquid.
- Add the onions and garlic next so their flavors seep into the potatoes and ham.
- Place the ham on top to let its juices drip down and flavor all ingredients below.
- Green beans go in last, last 30 minutes only, to stay tender-crisp and bright green.
This order ensures potatoes are soft but not mushy, beans retain some snap, and ham is perfectly warmed through.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I recommend a 4- or 6-quart size, perfect for this meal and easy to clean up.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the broth and seasonings just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onions and preparing potatoes and green beans.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – to serve the green beans and potatoes without excess liquid.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use a honey or brown sugar glaze on the ham before cooking for a sweeter touch.
- Add sliced carrots or celery along with the potatoes for extra veggies and flavor.
- Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or paprika for a bit of heat and smoky depth.
- Swap green beans for asparagus or snap peas if you want a different green veggie at the end.
Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 pounds ham steak or ham bone with meat
- 1 1/2 pounds baby yellow potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Liquids:
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (ham may already be salty)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. Cook on low in your slow cooker for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add green beans about 30 minutes before serving to keep them nice and crisp-tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the halved or quartered baby potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the potatoes. This helps infuse their flavors into the dish as it cooks.
2. Add the Ham:
Place the ham steak or ham bone with meat right on top of the potatoes and onions. This allows its savory juices to drip down and flavor everything below while slow cooking.
3. Season and Add Liquid:
Pour the chicken broth or water over the ingredients in your slow cooker. Sprinkle on the dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt if needed (remember ham may already be salty). Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
4. Slow Cook:
Cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the ham is heated through.
5. Add Green Beans:
About 30 minutes before serving, tuck the green beans around the ham in the slow cooker. This will cook them just enough so they stay tender but still crisp and bright.
6. Finish and Serve:
If you’d like, stir in olive oil or butter just before serving to add extra richness. Dish out the ham, potatoes, and green beans together, spooning some of the flavorful cooking juices over the top for a delicious finish.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Add them about 15-20 minutes before the end of the cooking time since they cook faster than fresh beans. This helps them stay tender without becoming mushy.
Can I Substitute Sweet Potatoes for the Baby Yellow Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work well and add a nice sweetness. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and keep in mind they may cook slightly faster, so check for tenderness toward the end.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if the dish seems dry.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can layer everything in your slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it covered. In the morning, just start the slow cooker and add the green beans toward the end of cooking.