There’s a special kind of joy that comes from enjoying a hearty, home-cooked meal that’s not only delicious but also brings back cherished memories. Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is one of those dishes. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for busy days when you want to serve something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe has a nostalgic touch for me, as it reminds me of family gatherings where the slow cooker did all the hard work, allowing us to spend more time together. The blend of savory ham, tender green beans, and flavorful potatoes makes it a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
2 pounds of ham, cubed
2 pounds of green beans, ends snipped off
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon steak spice seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups of water
Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Cube the Ham:
Begin by cubing 2 pounds of ham into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the ham cooks evenly and integrates well with the other ingredients in the slow cooker.
Prepare the Green Beans:
Trim the ends off 2 pounds of green beans. If the beans are particularly long, you might want to cut them in half for easier eating. Fresh green beans provide the best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen if that’s what you have on hand.
Dice the Potatoes:
Peel 4 large potatoes and dice them into chunks. The size of the chunks is up to you, but keeping them uniform ensures they cook evenly. Potatoes add a hearty component to the dish, making it filling and satisfying.
Chop the Onion (Optional):
If you enjoy the added flavor, chop 1 onion. Onions bring a sweet, aromatic depth to the dish as they cook down and meld with the other ingredients.
Assembling the Slow Cooker
Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
Place the cubed ham, prepared green beans, diced potatoes, and chopped onion into the slow cooker. This step is straightforward but crucial for building the base of your dish.
Season the Ingredients:
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of steak spice seasoning over the ingredients. This seasoning blend typically includes a mix of spices like garlic, onion, and paprika, which enhance the flavor of the dish.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a generous pinch of each, and remember you can always add more later if needed.
Stir and Add Water:
Give the ingredients a good stir to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. This helps all the flavors meld together as they cook.
Pour in 3 cups of water. The water will create steam and help cook the ingredients, as well as form a light broth that adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
Cooking
Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Cook for approximately 6 hours. The low, slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully and the ingredients to become tender and meld together beautifully.
Finishing Touches
Check for Doneness:
After 6 hours, check the doneness of the potatoes and green beans. They should be tender but not mushy, and the ham should be heated through and flavorful.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or pepper if desired.
Optional: Add Bacon Bits:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some cooked bacon bits just before serving. The smoky, crispy bacon complements the savory ham and adds a delightful crunch.
Serving
Serve the Dish:
Serve the Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes hot. Ladle it into bowls or onto plates, making sure each serving includes a bit of everything. The light broth adds a comforting touch, so don’t skimp on it.
Garnish:
If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for additional color and nutrients. These can be added at the same time as the other ingredients.
Different Meats: If you don’t have ham, you can use other meats like smoked sausage, turkey ham, or even chicken. Adjust the cooking time if using chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Spice Mix: Customize the flavor by experimenting with different spice mixes. A Cajun seasoning blend can add a bit of heat, while a mix of Italian herbs can provide a different flavor profile.
Broth: Instead of water, you can use chicken or vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium ham and skip the added salt. Opt for low-sodium broth instead of water for added flavor without the extra salt.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes is an appealing recipe for its simplicity, versatility, and the comforting, homey flavors it delivers. The slow cooker method allows you to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days or when you want to spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen.
This dish is also highly adaptable, allowing you to tweak the ingredients and seasonings to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. The combination of savory ham, tender green beans, and hearty potatoes is a classic that never fails to satisfy.
So, gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and look forward to a delicious, fuss-free meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the rich, comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes.
