Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes: A Comforting Meal
This Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes dish is the perfect combination of savory, hearty, and wholesome comfort food. Ideal for busy weekdays, this one-pot meal comes together effortlessly and fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. The slow-cooking method ensures that all the ingredients blend perfectly, creating a rich and flavorful dish. It’s a family favorite that’s simple, nutritious, and satisfying.
History of the Dish
While the origins of this particular recipe aren’t well-documented, it belongs to a long tradition of slow-cooked meals popular in many rural American households. The combination of ham, green beans, and potatoes has roots in both Southern and midwestern cuisine, where hearty meals were a necessity for feeding large families. Slow-cooking with a Crockpot (or slow cooker) became widely popular in the 1970s, as people embraced the convenience of preparing meals in advance while they went about their day.
Ingredients
2 lbs ham (bone-in or boneless, cut into cubes)
4 cups fresh or frozen green beans
6 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
1 medium onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
2 tbsp butter (for extra richness)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the ham into bite-sized cubes if it’s not pre-cut.
2. Sauté (Optional):
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to the dish.
3. Layer in the Crockpot:
Add the ham, potatoes, green beans, and sautéed onion and garlic (if you did the sauté step) to the Crockpot. Sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika over the top. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the potatoes are just covered with liquid.
4. Cook:
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender, and the ham will absorb the flavors of the green beans and seasonings.
5. Finish and Serve:
About 20 minutes before serving, add the butter to the Crockpot and stir it into the dish for extra creaminess. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Cooking Methods
Slow Cooker (Crockpot) Method:
This method is the key to the success of the recipe. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, and the ingredients are tender without the need for additional effort. It’s an ideal method for busy days when you want to enjoy a meal without much prep time.
Sautéing (Optional):
Sautéing the onions and garlic beforehand in olive oil enhances the flavor, creating a deeper savory base. This step is optional, but it adds richness to the dish.
Nutritional Benefits
Ham:
Ham is a good source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. It’s also rich in certain vitamins like B6 and B12, which support energy metabolism and the nervous system.
Green Beans:
Green beans are high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight. They are also packed with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and important minerals like iron and potassium.
Potatoes:
Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing energy. They also contain vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Eating potatoes with their skins on boosts their fiber content.
Low-fat, High-Protein Meal:
This dish is relatively low in fat and rich in protein, making it a balanced option for a fulfilling meal. The addition of vegetables contributes essential vitamins and minerals to round out the dish.
Conclusion
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food – easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It’s an ideal choice for a family dinner, offering a wholesome combination of protein, fiber, and vitamins. With its slow-cooked flavors and simple ingredients, this dish brings everyone together and satisfies those cravings for hearty, home-cooked meals.
Whether you’re a lover of comfort food or someone who enjoys slow-cooking meals, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It offers a perfect balance of nutrition and taste, making it a great choice for both busy days and leisurely meals shared with loved ones.
Lovers of the Dish
If you love simple, flavorful meals that require minimal effort, then this recipe will become a staple in your household. The rich combination of flavors from the ham, green beans, and potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection, is a meal that anyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a weekend meal, or a dish to share with friends.
Enjoy the warmth, comfort, and ease of Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes.
