Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes

Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes is a classic farmhouse-style comfort meal made with tender smoked ham, fresh green beans, and buttery golden potatoes simmered together in a savory broth. It’s simple, hearty, inexpensive, and requires very little hands-on preparation.

As everything slowly cooks together, the potatoes become tender, the green beans soak up the smoky flavor of the ham, and the broth turns into a wonderfully savory sauce. It’s the kind of old-fashioned meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

1½ pounds smoked ham, cut into bite-sized chunks
1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
1½ pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Wash the green beans and trim the ends.

Cut the potatoes into halves or bite-sized pieces. If you’re using small baby potatoes, you can leave the skins on.

Cut the smoked ham into approximately 1-inch chunks.

Slice the onion and mince the garlic.

2. Layer the Slow Cooker

Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add the sliced onion and garlic.

Place the trimmed green beans over the potatoes, followed by the chunks of smoked ham.

This layering helps the ingredients cook evenly while allowing the ham’s smoky flavor to infuse the vegetables.

3. Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme over the ingredients.

Add the bay leaf.

Be careful with the salt because smoked ham can already be quite salty.

4. Add the Broth and Butter

Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.

Add the butter in small pieces over the top.

The broth doesn’t need to completely cover the ingredients. The vegetables will release additional moisture as they cook.

5. Slow Cook

Cover with the lid and cook on:

LOW for 6–7 hours

HIGH for 3–4 hours

The meal is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked to your preferred tenderness.

Avoid lifting the lid too frequently because this allows heat to escape.

6. Taste and Finish

Remove the bay leaf.

Taste the broth and add additional black pepper or salt only if necessary.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Spoon the ham, potatoes, and green beans into bowls with some of the flavorful broth.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes

Use smoked ham: Ham hocks, leftover baked ham, or smoked ham chunks all work well.

Don’t oversalt: The ham and broth may already contain plenty of salt.

Use waxy potatoes: Yukon Gold or baby potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking.

Cut potatoes evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook more consistently.

Don’t overcook the green beans: If you prefer firmer green beans, add them during the final 2–3 hours instead of at the beginning.

Easy Variations

Ham Hock Version

Replace the diced ham with 1–2 smoked ham hocks. Remove the bones before serving and shred the meat into the vegetables.

Bacon and Ham

Add 4–6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for an extra smoky flavor.

Creamy Version

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream during the final 15 minutes for a richer broth.

Spicy Version

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.

Southern-Style Version

Add a little apple cider vinegar and extra black pepper for a tangy Southern-inspired flavor.

What to Serve With It

This meal is hearty enough on its own, but it’s delicious with:

Cornbread
Buttermilk biscuits
Dinner rolls
Crusty bread
Coleslaw
Simple green salad
Pickled vegetables

A warm piece of cornbread is especially good for soaking up the savory broth.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool and place them in airtight containers.

Refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly hot.

You can also freeze the cooked ham and potatoes for up to 2 months, although the texture of the green beans may soften slightly after freezing.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes is the kind of old-fashioned meal that makes dinner feel simple and comforting. Smoked ham adds rich flavor to tender potatoes and fresh green beans while everything slowly simmers in a savory broth.

With just a few inexpensive ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a hearty farmhouse-style dinner waiting for you at the end of the day.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 6½ hours
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy

Meta Description

Make tender Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes with smoked ham, fresh green beans, golden potatoes, and savory broth. An easy old-fashioned farmhouse comfort meal.