Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans – Experience the comforting flavors of a classic American dish, with our recipe for Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans. This simple delightful recipe combines the essence of ham hock, the hearty goodness of Yukon Gold potatoes, and the crisp freshness of green beans. With a few steps, you’ll create a satisfying main course that’s perfect for any occasion. Allow the slow cooker to work its magic as the flavors meld together resulting in a dish that’s both delicious and time efficient.
I can still vividly recall the first time I prepared this Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans recipe. It was a Sunday afternoon when I sought to make something hassle-free for my family. As the aroma of ham and spices wafted through our home my husband and child couldn’t resist peeking into the kitchen with anticipation for their meal. Since that occasion, this dish has become a staple at our family gatherings—bringing warmth and smiles to every plate.
What makes this Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans truly special?
Savor the effortless sophistication offered by our recipe, for Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans. This dish combines the flavors of ham hock, Yukon Gold potatoes, and crispy fresh green beans. It offers a balanced profile that appeals to both comfort and sophistication. Let your slow cooker take charge by infusing these ingredients with a variety of flavors that develop over time. Whether you’re having a family dinner or hosting friends this versatile recipe guarantees a culinary experience that is both simple and exquisite.
What You Need To Make This Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe?
Ham Hock: For a ham hock dish, it’s important to choose one that’s well-marbled and packed with flavor. This cut of meat adds a smoky essence as it slowly cooks enhancing the taste. Whether you opt for a ham hock or several smaller ones make sure to source high-quality meat, for the best results.
Potato: When it comes to potatoes Yukon Golds are the star choice. They have a buttery texture. Can withstand extended cooking times without losing their shape. These creamy potatoes complement the dish by absorbing the flavors while maintaining their consistency. While you can try waxy potato varieties Yukon Golds are always an option.
Green Bean: Using beans in this recipe adds a vibrant crunch that perfectly balances out the heartiness of the ham and potatoes. When preparing them aim for uniform cuts by snapping and breaking them into pieces. The bean’s lively color and crispness create a contrast, in every bite.
Onion and Garlic: To give your dish a base chop some onions and mince garlic. These ingredients infuse the cooker with savory and fragrant notes elevating the overall flavor profile of your meal. Look for plump onions and firm garlic cloves when selecting them for results.
Seasoning: The magic of seasonings. When you combine seasoning salt and black pepper it creates a subtly flavorful taste, for the dish. The seasoning salt brings out the flavors in all the ingredients while the black pepper adds a kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your personal taste preferences.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth as the cooking liquid adds a savory depth to the dish. Choose a high-quality chicken broth to elevate the taste. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even experiment with vegetable or ham broth for a twist.
Cornstarch: The mixture of water and cornstarch is used as a touch to thicken the cooking liquid into a sauce. This step provides a velvety coating, on each component of the dish ensuring a cohesive texture.
Steps To Make Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans:
Step 1: Start by peeling and cutting the Yukon Gold potatoes into chunks.
Step 2: Snap the beans and break them into small bite-sized pieces. Set them aside for later.
Step 3: Chop the onion to infuse the dish with its taste.
Step 4: Set the ham hock(s) in the cooker. Protect it with the lid and let it cook on high for one hour.
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Step 5: Reduce the temperature to low and resume cooking for 3 hours to allow the flavors to materialize.
Step 6: Remove the lid. Take out the ham hock(s). Carefully add the chopped potatoes to the cooker. Pour in chicken broth as a base, for your dish.
Step 7: Add in the chopped onion minced garlic, seasoning salt, and black pepper to enhance your mix of ingredients.
Step 8: Before returning the ham hock(s) to the cooker slice them into bite pieces for even distribution throughout.
Step 9: During the 30 minutes of cooking add in your green beans. Let them cook until they get a crisp tender texture.
Step 10: Uncover your cooker. Whisk together water and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Stir this mixture into your cooker to create a thickened sauce.
Step 11: Allow everything to cook for 30 minutes while occasionally giving it a stir to meld all those wonderful flavors together. The enticing smell of the roasted ham, potatoes, and fresh green beans will captivate your senses.
Step 12: Prepare and present this dish and relish in the happiness of enjoying a comforting meal with your dear ones.
Tip:
To add a burst of flavor you might want to sear the ham hock in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker. This simple technique adds a touch of caramelization, to the meat surface enriching its taste and giving the dish a depth that will surely have your guests wanting seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of potatoes in this recipe?
Sure you can definitely use other types of potatoes in this recipe. While the creamy texture of Yukon Gold potatoes works well you can also get creative. Try other varieties to give it a unique twist.
Can I substitute the ham hock with a different protein?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a ham hock or want to switch it up you can substitute it with smoked turkey, or sausage, for a flavor experience.
How do I prevent the green beans from becoming too soft?
To prevent the beans from getting too soft add them towards the end of the cooking process 30 minutes before everything is done. This way they’ll maintain their crunchiness.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 large ham hock or 3 small ham hocks
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes cut into chunks
- 2 pounds fresh green beans cut into pieces
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 teaspoon garlic freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 c. chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Start by peeling and cutting the Yukon Gold potatoes into chunks.
- Next, Break the green beans into bite sized pieces.
- Proceed to chop the onion into pieces.
- Now place the ham hock(s) in the cooker. Set it on high for 1 hour.
- After that reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for another 3 hours.
- Once done remove the ham hock(s) from the cooker. Add in the potatoes and chicken broth.
- Introduce chopped onion, minced garlic, seasoning salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Cut up the ham into bite pieces. Add them back, to the slow cooker.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking time add in your green beans.
- Create a mixture of water and cornstarch then stir it into your cooker.
- Let it cook for 30 minutes while occasionally stirring everything together.
- Finally, serve up this creation. Enjoy every flavorful bite.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
How long do the chopped ham pieces and other ingredients cook together so I know when “during the last 30 minutes” is?? Thx!
Hi Bridget! Thanks for your question! When the recipe says “during the last 30 minutes,” it’s referring to when you should add the green beans. So, after the ham and other ingredients have been cooking for a while, you’ll want to add the chopped ham pieces and green beans about 30 minutes before the dish is done. This way, the green beans stay nice and crisp, and the ham pieces heat through perfectly. Hope this helps, and happy cooking! 😊