1. Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half

• 1½ cups diced ham or cooked ham steak

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (optional)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt to taste, added carefully because ham and broth can be salty

2. Full cooking instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the green beans

Wash the green beans thoroughly. Trim off the ends and cut them into manageable pieces. If using frozen green beans, thawing is not necessary.

Step 2 — Add ingredients to the slow cooker

Place the green beans in the slow cooker. Add the diced ham, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Spread everything evenly.

Step 3 — Season the mixture

Sprinkle in the black pepper and optional smoked paprika or red pepper flakes. Add the butter if you want a richer flavor.

Step 4 — Pour in the broth

Pour the chicken broth over the beans and ham. The liquid does not need to cover all the vegetables because the beans will release moisture as they cook.

Step 5 — Slow cook

Cover with the lid and cook until the green beans reach your preferred tenderness:

• LOW: 4–6 hours

• HIGH: 2–3 hours

Check the beans near the end of cooking. For softer, traditional Southern-style green beans, cook toward the longer end of the range.

Step 6 — Adjust the flavor

Stir gently and taste the broth. Add salt only if necessary. If there is too much liquid, remove the lid for the final 15–20 minutes, if your slow cooker instructions permit it.

Step 7 — Serve

Spoon the green beans, ham, onions, and a little broth into serving bowls. Serve hot with cornbread, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted chicken.

3. Nutrition information

4. Nut information and allergens

• Nuts: No peanuts or tree nuts are included in the recipe as written.

• Dairy: Optional butter contains milk; use olive oil to make the recipe dairy-free.

• Broth: Check the label for allergens and cross-contact warnings.

• Ham: Check packaged ham ingredients for added allergens.

• For a nut allergy, verify all ingredient labels and avoid cross-contact during preparation.

5. Tips for the best results

• Use fresh green beans for the best texture.

• Smoked ham adds depth and a savory flavor.

• Add a small splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for a brighter taste.

• For a complete one-pot meal, add diced potatoes during cooking.

• Use low-sodium broth if you want better control over the salt level.

6. Storage and reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container.

• Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

• Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot, adding a little broth if needed.

• Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality; the beans may become softer after thawing.

Serving idea: Pair these savory slow cooker green beans with cornbread and mashed potatoes for a comforting homemade Southern-style dinner.