Sometimes the most comforting meals come from the simplest ingredients—and this slow cooker green bean, ham, and potato dish is a perfect example. Inspired by down-home Southern cooking, this recipe brings together three staple ingredients in a warm, savory broth that’s rich in flavor and nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy meal to prep in the morning and enjoy later, this one-pot wonder fits the bill.
Using a slow cooker means you don’t have to hover over the stove all day. The green beans stay tender with a slight bite, the potatoes soak up the flavor beautifully, and the ham adds that smoky depth only a good slow cook can achieve. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ham or make the most of ham hocks. The broth it creates is so good you might be tempted to sip it on its own. Serve this as a main dish or a hearty side—it’s wholesome, filling, and guaranteed to bring a bit of warmth to your table. If you’re a fan of rustic meals with real flavor, this dish deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8 people)
2 lb fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
1 large onion, chopped
3 ham hocks
1½ lb new potatoes, quartered
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp seasoning salt
1 tbsp chicken bouillon granules
Ground black pepper, to taste
Water (enough to barely cover the beans in the slow cooker)
Instructions
If your green beans are large, cut them in half for easier serving. Place the beans in the slow cooker along with the chopped onion and ham hocks. Add just enough water to cover the beans. Cover and cook on HIGH until the mixture begins to simmer, then switch to LOW and continue cooking for 2 to 3 hours until the beans are still firm but no longer raw. Add the quartered potatoes and continue cooking for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Meanwhile, remove the ham hocks, discard the bones, and shred or chop the meat. Return the ham to the slow cooker. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, bouillon granules, and black pepper to taste. Let everything cook together until the potatoes are fully done. To serve, use a slotted spoon to scoop the beans, potatoes, and ham into bowls with a little of the broth.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This dish is rich in protein and fiber, thanks to the ham and green beans. It provides satisfying comfort with natural ingredients, but does contain a moderate amount of sodium due to the ham, bouillon, and seasoning salt. Those following a low-sodium or low-fat diet may want to make adjustments, such as using low-sodium bouillon or leaner ham cuts. It’s a gluten-free dish by nature, making it suitable for those avoiding wheat.
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