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Crockpot Beef Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes Dinner

This cozy crockpot dinner brings together tender cubed beef ham, hearty potatoes, and crisp green beans for a one-pot comfort meal that practically makes itself. It’s the kind of straightforward, satisfying dish that warms the kitchen and frees you up for whatever the evening brings. For more slow-cooker inspiration that pairs well with lighter sides, see this helpful roundup of low-carb crockpot dinners: low-carb crockpot dinners for summer.

Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of last-minute dinner stress and dishes that need constant babysitting, this recipe is perfect because it combines protein, vegetables, and starch in a single slow cooker for minimal effort and maximum comfort. The hands-off cooking gives you tender potatoes and beans soaked with savory broth and seasoning, making it an ideal weeknight winner or easy Sunday supper.

Ingredients

1 Pound Fresh Green Beans, washed and ends snapped
1 Pound Beef Ham, cubed
2 Cups Chicken Broth
4 Large Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
2 Teaspoons Salt
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Beef Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes Dinner

Overview and prep
This is a forgiving slow-cooker recipe that only needs basic prep: wash and trim the green beans, cube the ham, and peel and quarter the potatoes. Because the ingredients cook together, aim for uniform sizes so everything finishes at the same time — quartered potatoes should be roughly the same size as the ham cubes.

Step 1 — Layer the ingredients
Place the cubed beef ham, quartered potatoes, and fresh green beans in a large slow cooker. Spread them fairly evenly so the heat can circulate and the potatoes sit near the broth level.

Step 2 — Add the liquid
Pour in the chicken broth. The broth provides flavor and enough liquid to keep the potatoes from drying out. For a richer finish, you can substitute part of the chicken broth with low-sodium beef broth or a splash of white wine (see variations below).

Step 3 — Season
Sprinkle with onion powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ham and vegetables without overwhelming the dish. If your ham is on the saltier side, reduce the salt to 1 teaspoon and adjust after cooking.

Step 4 — Combine gently
Stir gently to combine all ingredients. You want to coat the vegetables and ham with the seasoning and broth without breaking the potatoes or bruising the green beans.

Step 5 — Cook
Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 4–6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 2–3 hours, until potatoes are tender and the beef ham is thoroughly heated. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model and how full the pot is; check at the lower end of time ranges the first time you make it.

Step 6 — Finish and serve
Once the potatoes are fork-tender and everything is hot through, fluff gently and serve hot. Taste for seasoning and add a pinch more salt and pepper if needed. A pat of butter or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens the plate before serving.

Detailed timing and tips during cooking

If you’re using very small new potatoes, reduce the cook time on LOW to about 3–4 hours.
For thicker-cut ham or very large potato pieces, expect the full 6 hours on LOW.
If the green beans are very thin, consider adding them in the last hour on LOW so they maintain some texture.

Best Way to Store Crockpot Beef Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes Dinner

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, or gently rewarm on the stovetop over low heat until hot throughout; if reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Beef Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes Dinner

Classic comfort: Serve as-is for a complete one-dish meal — the ham provides protein, the potatoes bring starch, and the green beans add freshness.
With a bright side: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds contrast.
Bread and butter: Warm crusty rolls or cornbread are perfect for soaking up the broth.
Garnishes: Chopped parsley, chives, or a squeeze of lemon can lift the flavors right before serving.
Make it a plate: Spoon the ham, potatoes, and beans over steamed rice or buttery egg noodles for a heartier bowl.

Tips to make Crockpot Beef Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes Dinner (Q&A style)
Q: How do I keep the potatoes from turning to mush?
A: Cut potatoes into even, moderately sized quarters rather than small dice; avoid overcooking by checking doneness at the lower end of the time range. Use russet potatoes for their creamy texture, but if you prefer waxy potatoes (which hold shape better), use Yukon Golds.

Q: What if my ham is very salty?
A: Use low-sodium or no-salt broth and reduce the added salt to 1/2–1 teaspoon. You can always season more at the end if needed.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes — hearty root vegetables like carrots or parsnips can be added with the potatoes; softer vegetables such as zucchini should be added during the last hour of cooking.

Q: Is it okay to brown the ham first?
A: While optional, browning the ham in a skillet before adding to the crockpot adds a deeper caramelized flavor. It’s a quick step if you want extra richness.

Variations

Swap the protein (bullet format):
- Use leftover baked ham or ham bone pieces for extra depth.
- Substitute cubed smoked turkey or a mixture of smoked sausages for a different smoky profile.
Flavor-up paragraph:
If you want a tangier, country-style version, stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard and a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving; the acidity brightens the broth and complements the salty ham.

FAQs
Q: How long does it take to cook this in a crockpot?
A: Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or on HIGH for 2–3 hours. Check potatoes for tenderness to determine doneness.

Q: Can I make this for a crowd?
A: Yes. Double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. Make sure there’s enough room for the heat to circulate; you may need to add an extra 30–60 minutes of cook time on LOW.

What should I watch for when reheating leftovers?
- If refrigerated, reheat gently to avoid breaking down the potatoes. Add a splash of broth if the mixture seems dry.

How to adapt textures and flavors
Cooking in a crockpot locks flavors in but also softens textures, so consider these adjustments: if you like firmer green beans, add them in during the last hour. For a saucier finish, increase the chicken broth to 2 1/2 cups or add 1/4 cup of cream near the end of cooking. For a heartier, more rustic stew, toss in coarsely chopped onions and diced carrots at the start.

Dietary and nutrition notes

This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free broth.
To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt; consider rinsing the ham if it’s overly salty.
You can boost veggies and fiber by adding additional vegetables such as diced turnip, rutabaga, or extra green beans.

Make-ahead and batch-cooking ideas

Prep ahead: Cube the ham and peel/quarter potatoes the night before, store separately in the fridge, and assemble in the slow cooker insert in the morning.
Batch-cook: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick lunches or dinners. Reheat gently for best texture.

Troubleshooting

Potatoes are still firm after full cook time: Cut potatoes smaller next time or increase cook time by 30–60 minutes. Check that the slow cooker is reaching temperature; older units may run cool.
Broth is too salty: Add unsalted cooked potatoes, a peeled raw potato added during the last hour, or a splash of water to dilute; balance with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Green beans are mushy: Add green beans later in cooking or use thicker green beans which hold shape better.

Final touches and plating ideas
Plate the ham, potato, and green bean trio in shallow bowls or large dinner plates. Spoon the flavorful broth over the top and finish each serving with a small pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chopped scallions adds color and a fresh aroma.

Leftover creativity

Mash-up: Use leftovers to make a quick hash — sauté diced leftover potatoes with onion, add chopped ham and beans, and top with a fried egg.
Souped-up bowl: Purée half the mixture with additional broth to make a creamy, chunky soup and stir in extra greens at the end.

Safety notes

Cool leftovers quickly by dividing into shallow containers before refrigerating.
Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Conclusion

This easy crockpot dinner is a practical one-pot solution that offers comforting flavors with minimal fuss; for a classic iteration of slow-cooker green beans, ham, and potatoes, see this trusted recipe for reference: Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham and Potatoes Recipe. For another home-style take with tips on timing and ingredient tweaks, this guide is a helpful companion: Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes | Good in the Simple.