Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you prefer a more pronounced flavor, you can sear the ham chunks in a hot pan for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker to develop a deeper, caramelized exterior.

This extra step adds a significant layer of smoky richness that complements the butter and broth beautifully. For a touch of brightness, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a handful of fresh parsley just before serving to cut through the richness of the butter.

To customize the flavor, consider adding a few cloves of smashed garlic or a sprig of fresh rosemary to the pot before cooking. These aromatics will infuse the broth with a deeper complexity that pairs well with the potatoes and ham.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added alongside the onion powder, providing a subtle warmth that elevates the overall dish without overpowering the natural flavors of the main ingredients.

Variations

• Smoky Ham and Sweet Potato: Replace the white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor profile that complements the salty ham. The texture of sweet potatoes works very well with the buttery broth, adding a vibrant color to the dish.
• Herb-Infused Ham Dinner: Add a tablespoon of dried thyme and rosemary to the seasoning mix. These woody herbs enhance the rustic quality of the dish, creating a more traditional, home-style flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender green beans.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly heated.

Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps maintain the quality of the green beans and prevents the potatoes from becoming overly soft.

Place the container in the refrigerator immediately, where it will remain fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked mixture, although the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing.

This dish is perfect for making ahead as the flavors continue to meld and intensify after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before starting the cooking process to allow the insert to come closer to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot in wide, shallow bowls to capture the flavorful buttery broth that develops at the bottom of the slow cooker. Each serving should include a generous portion of ham, potatoes, and green beans, topped with a ladle of the cooking liquid. This meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the buttery broth.

For a formal presentation, garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley to add a pop of color. The combination of textures from the tender ham, soft potatoes, and crisp-tender green beans makes for a satisfying eating experience.

If you are serving this for a family dinner, placing the slow cooker on the table allows guests to serve themselves, ensuring everyone gets their preferred ratio of meat and vegetables in their bowl.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cooked ham chunks
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1.5 lbs potatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Place the ham chunks into the bottom of the slow cooker basin. Arrange the halved potatoes and trimmed green beans on top of the ham in an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the onion powder and black pepper evenly over the vegetables. In a separate measuring cup, combine the chicken broth with the melted butter, then pour the mixture over the entire contents of the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are soft, serve the dish hot on plates, spooning some of the buttery broth over the top.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.