Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish that brings together tender chunks of ham, fresh green beans, and hearty potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome, home-cooked meal but don’t have the time to stand over the stove. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet the flavors meld together beautifully, making it a favorite for many families.
I remember my grandmother making a similar dish on cold winter days. The aroma of ham and potatoes simmering away would fill the house, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It was always a dish that brought the family together, and each bite was filled with nostalgia and comfort. Now, I make this dish for my own family, and it continues to be a beloved meal that brings back those cherished memories.
Ingredients
1 pound pork hock (or 2 cups cooked ham chunks)
36 ounces green beans, fresh or frozen (cut into bite-size pieces)
3 cups water
4 large potatoes, yellow or red, skin on, cut into bite-size chunks
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-2 tablespoons oil (just a drizzle)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Ham Hock and Ham Chunks: Start by preparing your pork hock or ham chunks. If you are using a pork hock, you can leave it whole, as it will be removed and chopped later. If you’re using pre-cooked ham chunks, ensure they are in bite-sized pieces.
Green Beans: Whether you’re using fresh or frozen green beans, cut them into bite-size pieces. This ensures even cooking and easier eating.
Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly since you’ll be leaving the skin on. Cut them into bite-sized chunks, aiming for about 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Spices and Seasonings: Measure out your dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Having these ready will make the assembly process quicker and smoother.
2. Assemble the Crockpot
Layering: Add the pork hock (or ham chunks) to the bottom of the crockpot. This allows the flavor from the ham to infuse throughout the dish as it cooks.
Adding Vegetables and Water: Pour in the green beans, followed by the potato chunks. Add the 3 cups of water to the crockpot. Ensure the water covers the vegetables and ham sufficiently, which helps in even cooking and prevents drying out.
3. Season the Dish
Spice Mix: Sprinkle the thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon over the ingredients in the crockpot.
Drizzle Oil: Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of oil over the top. This helps to bring out the flavors of the spices and keeps the ingredients moist.
4. Cooking Time
High Setting: If you need the dish ready faster, cook on high for 4 hours. This is ideal if you’re starting the meal later in the day and need it done by dinner time.
Low Setting: For a more gradual cooking process, cook on low for 6-7 hours. This setting is perfect if you’re preparing the dish in the morning and will be out of the house for the day.
Monitor Cooking: Be mindful not to overcook, especially the green beans, as they can turn mushy. The goal is to have tender potatoes and green beans that still hold their shape.
5. Finishing Touches
Removing and Chopping Ham: Once the green beans and potatoes are cooked through, remove the ham hock from the crockpot. Allow it to cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Return Ham to Crockpot: Add the chopped ham back into the crockpot, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
Warming: Turn the crockpot to the warm setting while you prepare to serve the dish. This keeps everything hot and ready without overcooking.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Meats: You can substitute the pork hock with smoked sausage, turkey ham, or even leftover roast pork. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peas to the mix for additional flavors and nutrients.
Spice Adjustments: Adjust the spices to suit your taste. For instance, you can add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Broth Instead of Water: Substitute the water with chicken or vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium broth and reduce the amount of added salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Conclusion
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The ease of preparation, combined with the rich, savory flavors that develop during slow cooking, makes it an appealing choice for busy families. The tender potatoes, flavorful ham, and perfectly cooked green beans create a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
This recipe is particularly enjoyable because it’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to warm up a cold day or a convenient dish that cooks itself while you’re busy, this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of this classic dish, and make it a staple in your meal rotation.