An Irresistible Comfort Dish: Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to the warm, hearty goodness of a slow-cooked meal. This recipe for Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes is a timeless classic that brings together the earthy flavors of fresh vegetables and the savory richness of ham. It’s a dish that’s been perfected over generations, and now it’s time for you to enjoy it in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the epitome of easy, satisfying home-cooked goodness. You’ll love how the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender green beans, flavorful ham, and perfectly cooked potatoes. Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day, and the cooking liquid can be reused to enhance other dishes.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Slotted Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 ham hocks
- 1 1/2 pounds new potatoes, quartered
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
- Ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Halve the green beans if they are large. Place them in the slow cooker and add just enough water to barely cover them. Add the chopped onion and ham hocks.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on High until the mixture begins to simmer. Then, reduce the heat to Low and cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are crisp but not fully cooked.
- Add the quartered potatoes and cook for an additional 45 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, remove the ham hocks from the slow cooker. Remove the meat from the bones, chop or shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, chicken bouillon, and ground black pepper. Continue cooking until the potatoes are done.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- To serve, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans, potatoes, and ham into a serving dish, adding a little broth for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the green beans and potatoes are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning toward the end of cooking for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have ham hocks, chopped ham steaks work as a great substitute.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar can add a unique twist to the dish. You can also incorporate other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This dish is a great source of protein and fiber, thanks to the ham and green beans. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome meal choice for any day of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but fresh beans will offer the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian? Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian version.
How long can I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making leftovers even more delicious.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. Give it a try and immerse yourself in the comforting flavors of this classic dish. We would love to hear about your experience, so feel free to share your results and any personal touches you add to the recipe!