### **Introduction**
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is a flavorful, one-pot meal that combines savory ham, tender potatoes, and fresh green beans. The slow-cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a dish that’s not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy days when you want a comforting, hands-off meal, this dish is great for family dinners, meal prepping, or even feeding a crowd. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of using a crockpot make it an ideal choice for a quick and nourishing meal.
### **Origin**
This dish has its roots in Southern and Midwestern American cuisine, where hearty, one-pot meals are a tradition. Recipes like this one have been passed down through generations, often made with leftovers like ham and fresh seasonal vegetables. The slow-cooked nature of this dish reflects the trend in home cooking that embraces convenience and depth of flavor, using simple ingredients and a slow cooker to create something rich and satisfying.
### **Cultural Significance**
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes represents a traditional and nostalgic style of cooking that values home-cooked, comforting meals. This type of dish is often enjoyed as part of family gatherings, especially after holidays like Easter or Christmas when ham is typically a main dish. The slow cooker allows people to make the most of leftovers, making it a practical and efficient choice. This dish is also common in the South and Midwest, where crockpot meals are often enjoyed as part of busy lifestyles.
### **Ingredients & Quantities**
– 2 cups cooked ham, cubed (use leftover ham or fresh ham steak)
– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
– 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for added richness, optional)
### **Optional Additions**
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk for a creamier texture
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
– 1/2 cup diced carrots or celery for added flavor and color
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for a tangy kick
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) for extra richness
– A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
– 1/4 cup sour cream to add creaminess after cooking
### **Tips for Success**
1. **Use Leftover Ham**: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday or other meal. The more flavorful the ham, the better the overall taste.
2. **Adjust Cooking Time**: If you prefer your potatoes and green beans to be a bit firmer, reduce the cooking time. If you like everything very soft and melded, cook it longer.
3. **Layer Ingredients**: Place the potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot as they take the longest to cook. Follow with the ham and green beans, then pour in the broth.
4. **Don’t Overcrowd**: If you’re using a small crockpot, you might need to reduce the amount of ingredients to ensure they cook evenly.
5. **Add Cream for Richness**: If you like a creamier dish, add a bit of heavy cream or milk in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. **Season in Layers**: Add seasonings as you go (ham, vegetables, and broth) to ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare Ingredients**: Dice the potatoes, trim and cut the green beans, and cube the ham. Dice the onion as well.
2. **Layer in the Crockpot**: Start by placing the diced potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot, followed by the ham, green beans, and onion. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. **Add Liquids**: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the crockpot. If you’re using butter or olive oil, drizzle it over the top for added richness.
4. **Cook**: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. **Check for Seasoning**: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, stir in a bit of cream or cheese before serving.
6. **Serve**: Once everything is cooked through, serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
### **Description**
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish with tender potatoes, savory ham, and fresh green beans all cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring that the ingredients meld together beautifully. The ham adds a salty richness to the dish, while the green beans provide a fresh contrast. The potatoes soak up all the flavors, making each bite satisfying and comforting. This dish is the epitome of easy, homey cooking that warms both the body and the soul.
### **Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)**
– **Calories**: 280 kcal
– **Fat**: 8g
– **Saturated Fat**: 2g
– **Cholesterol**: 40mg
– **Sodium**: 800mg
– **Carbohydrates**: 32g
– **Fiber**: 4g
– **Sugar**: 4g
– **Protein**: 20g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
### **Conclusion**
Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that requires little effort to prepare yet delivers big on flavor. The slow-cooked ingredients come together in a hearty and satisfying way, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. It’s a simple, no-fuss dish that’s perfect for those who love easy, family-friendly meals that don’t skimp on taste.
### **Recommendation**
For a comforting and fuss-free meal, Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for using up leftover ham, and the slow cooking process brings out the best in the ingredients. This dish is great for busy families, meal prepping, or when you want to serve a large crowd with minimal effort. Customize the recipe with optional additions like cream, cheese, or extra vegetables to suit your taste.
### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While Crockpot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is a satisfying comfort food, you can make it even healthier by swapping out some ingredients. Opt for leaner ham, such as turkey ham, or use low-sodium broth to cut down on sodium. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter or oil and increase the amount of vegetables. You can also add in more nutrient-dense veggies like carrots or spinach. To make the dish even more filling, try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a boost of fiber and vitamins.