This cozy slow cooker ham, potatoes, and green beans recipe combines smoky ham hock, buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, and fresh green beans for the ultimate comfort meal.
You know those recipes that just stick with you? This one takes me right back to Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house. She had this big old slow cooker (probably older than I was at the time) and it always seemed to be filled with something magical—usually this exact dish. I’d sit at the kitchen table, watching the steam curl up while she set out plates, the smell of ham and garlic making me so impatient.
Funny enough, when I made this recipe for my own family the first time, it was a complete fluke. I had some leftover ham hock from a holiday dinner and a handful of potatoes sitting on the counter. Tossed it all in the slow cooker, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. And guess what? It tasted exactly like those cozy meals I remembered from my childhood.
Now, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or when I’m craving something hearty but simple. Honestly, there’s just something special about the smell of ham slow-cooking all day—it makes the whole house feel warmer.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans Recipe?
This dish? It’s the definition of comfort food. Here’s why:
- Set It and Forget It: Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this one—trust me!
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors just get better the next day.
- Great for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd without the stress.
It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm, cozy moment.
Ingredient Notes:
This dish is all about simplicity, but every ingredient has its moment to shine:
- Ham Hock: The star of the show! It adds a smoky, savory richness. Can’t find a hock? Leftover ham or even smoked turkey works too.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and perfect for slow cooking. Red potatoes work too, but I’m partial to the Yukons for their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Fresh Green Beans: Adds a little crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the ham and potatoes.
- Chicken Broth: Helps everything cook up tender while adding flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: The unsung heroes that build the base of flavor.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Just a touch for thickening the broth into a velvety sauce.
Pro Tip: If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can take this up a notch!
How To Make Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans?
This one’s ridiculously easy. Your slow cooker practically does the cooking for you.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Peel and chop your Yukon Gold potatoes into large chunks—they’ll cook down beautifully. Snap the green beans into bite-sized pieces (or use kitchen scissors if you’re feeling fancy). Finally, chop the onion.
Step 2: Start with the Ham Hock
Place the ham hock in the slow cooker first. Set it on high for one hour to help release its smoky flavors. The kitchen’s already starting to smell amazing, right?
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Lower the heat to low and add your chopped potatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer and soak in the flavors.
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Step 4: Shred the Ham and Add Beans
After a few hours, remove the ham hock, shred the meat from the bone (it practically falls apart), and add it back into the slow cooker. Toss in the fresh green beans for the last 30 minutes so they stay tender-crisp.
Step 5: Thicken the Broth
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water, then stir it into the slow cooker. It helps the broth turn into a rich, comforting sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle everything into bowls, making sure to get plenty of ham, potatoes, and green beans in every serving. Maybe add a sprinkle of black pepper or a bit of chopped parsley for that final touch.
Storage Options:
This recipe is practically made for leftovers (if you manage to have any).
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Here are some ideas:
- No Ham Hock? Try diced ham, smoked turkey, or even a few slices of bacon for that same smoky vibe.
- Potato Swap: Sweet potatoes or red potatoes would both work beautifully.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in carrots or parsnips for a heartier stew.
- Spice it Up: A dash of paprika or cayenne can add a little kick.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes and Green Beans?
This meal feels complete on its own, but if you’re planning a big dinner, here are some perfect pairings:
- Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread to soak up all that broth.
- Biscuits: Because biscuits make everything better.
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness.
- Pickled Beets: A tangy side that pairs beautifully with ham.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Just add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.
Do I need to soak the ham hock?
Nope! The slow cooking breaks it down perfectly without any extra prep.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Reduce the broth by half and cook on manual high pressure for 35 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
There’s just something about this Slow Cooker Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans that feels like home, right? It’s easy, hearty, and full of flavor—the kind of meal you can serve at family dinners or cozy nights in.
Give it a try! I’d love to hear how it turns out. Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram—can’t wait to see your version!
Happy cooking!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
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! 😊