This recipe for crock pot ham, potatoes, and green beans delivers a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooking process tenderizes the ham and vegetables, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. Let's dive into the details!
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to the type of ham you use. You can use a bone-in ham, a boneless ham, a city ham (fully cooked), or even leftover ham!
- Bone-in Ham: Offers a richer, more intense flavor and adds a nice visual element to the dish. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly, as bone-in hams tend to take longer to cook.
- Boneless Ham: Convenient and cooks more quickly. It's a great option for busy weeknights.
- City Ham (Fully Cooked): This is a pre-cooked ham, meaning you don't need to worry about cooking it to a specific internal temperature. You'll primarily be reheating and infusing it with flavor.
- Leftover Ham: A fantastic way to repurpose leftover ham from Easter or Christmas. Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the crock pot.
What Vegetables Can I Add Besides Green Beans?
While green beans are a classic pairing with ham and potatoes, feel free to experiment with other vegetables! This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Consider adding:
- Carrots: Add diced carrots for extra sweetness and color.
- Corn: Frozen or canned corn adds a delightful sweetness and texture.
- Peas: Similar to corn, peas offer a burst of freshness.
- Onions & Garlic: Sautéed onions and garlic before adding to the crock pot will enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Other Root Vegetables: Consider adding diced turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for added depth of flavor and texture.
How Long Does Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans Take to Cook in a Crock Pot?
The cooking time will depend on the type of ham you're using and the size of your crock pot. Generally, a fully cooked ham will only need to be heated through for a couple of hours on low, whereas a raw ham will require a longer cooking time (check the package instructions). For this recipe, using pre-cooked ham and assuming medium-sized potatoes and green beans, plan for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Always check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it's heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the ingredients the night before and cook them in the crock pot overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious meal. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are the Best Potatoes to Use?
Russet, Yukon Gold, and red potatoes all work well in this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What Liquid Should I Use in the Crock Pot?
Using a combination of liquid creates a richer flavor profile. A mixture of chicken broth and apple juice is a great choice, but you could also use just chicken broth, beef broth, or even water.
How Do I Make Crock Pot Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans?
Here's a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fully cooked ham, cubed
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Other seasonings as desired (onion powder, garlic powder, etc.)
Instructions:
- Place the cubed ham, potatoes, and green beans in your crock pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and apple juice (if using).
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the ham is heated through.
- Serve and enjoy!
This versatile recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a comforting meal. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to create your perfect crock pot ham, potatoes, and green beans masterpiece!
