There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a slow-cooked meal filling your home, and this Crockpot Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes recipe delivers just that. Using a ham shank or smoky sausage, tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and flavorful seasonings, this dish combines hearty ingredients that meld beautifully during slow cooking. The ham imparts a smoky richness that infuses the vegetables, while the potatoes absorb the savory broth, making each bite satisfying and delicious.

Perfect for busy days or when you want a no-fuss meal, this crockpot recipe requires minimal prep and allows the slow cooker to do all the work. The result is a classic, one-pot meal that’s packed with comfort and flavor. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a wholesome dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-off cooking

Once ingredients are in the crockpot, you can forget about it until dinner.

2. Robust smoky flavor

Ham or smoked sausage adds a rich, savory depth to the dish.

3. Balanced and nutritious

Combines protein, fresh vegetables, and hearty potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

4. Easy to customize

Swap out vegetables or adjust seasonings based on your preferences.

5. Great for leftovers

Flavors intensify after resting, making it perfect for next-day meals.

Ingredients

Ham shank or ham or smoked sausage pieces
Small red or yellow potatoes
Large yellow onion, chopped
Fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Chicken stock

Variations

Use different protein

Substitute ham with smoked turkey, kielbasa, or even a pork roast for variety.

Add more vegetables

Include carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Spice it up

Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.

Use sweet potatoes

Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Make it vegetarian

Omit ham and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika for a smoky vegetarian version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Place the ham shank or cut ham or smoked sausage pieces in the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 2

Add chopped onion and potatoes around and on top of the ham.

Step 3

Layer the rinsed and trimmed green beans over the potatoes and ham.

Step 4

Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over the ingredients.

Step 5

Pour chicken stock over everything, covering the ingredients. Add more stock if necessary to just cover the contents.

Step 6

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender and ham is flavorful.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh green beans

They retain texture better than frozen during slow cooking.

Cut potatoes evenly

Uniform potato pieces ensure even cooking throughout.

Don’t over-salt

The ham is salty, so season gradually and taste before adding more salt.

Check liquid level

Add extra broth during cooking if it starts to dry out.

Let it rest

Allow stew to sit for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

How to Serve

Serve this hearty crockpot meal straight from the slow cooker for a rustic family-style presentation. It pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make a great side to balance the richness of the ham and potatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of chicken stock if it seems dry.

FAQs

1. Can I use smoked sausage instead of ham?

Yes, smoked sausage adds a similar smoky flavor and works well.

2. Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh green beans are preferred, but frozen can be used if added later in cooking.

3. How much chicken stock should I use?

Start with 4 cups and add more as needed to cover ingredients.

4. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yukon gold or red potatoes work best; avoid starchy potatoes that fall apart.

5. Can I cook this on high heat all day?

It’s best cooked on low for tenderness; high heat may dry out the dish.

6. Can I add other spices?

Yes, herbs like thyme or rosemary complement this recipe well.

7. Should I peel the potatoes?

No need; leaving skins on adds texture and nutrients.

8. How do I know when it’s done?

Potatoes should be fork-tender and ham heated through.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate ingredients.

10. Can I add frozen vegetables?

Add frozen veggies in the last hour to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Crockpot Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal that combines smoky, savory ham with fresh vegetables and tender potatoes in one easy slow cooker dish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s ideal for busy days and family dinners. This hearty, satisfying recipe offers flexibility and convenience while delivering a classic, homey taste that everyone will love. Keep this recipe in your collection for a reliable, nourishing meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious.