This Slow Cooker Ham and Green Beans is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender green beans, smoky ham, buttery potatoes, onions, and savory herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy family dinner that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weekdays or cozy Sunday suppers.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 pounds ham, diced (or leftover ham)
• 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Note: Taste before adding salt, as ham can be quite salty.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh thyme
• Cracked black pepper

Equipment Needed

• 6- to 8-quart slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Trim the green beans.
• Halve the baby potatoes.
• Chop the onion.
• Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Add to the slow cooker:

• Potatoes
• Green beans
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ham

Sprinkle with:

• Thyme
• Parsley
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (if using)

Dot the butter over the top and drizzle with olive oil.

Pour in the chicken broth.

Step 3: Cook

LOW

Cook for 6–8 hours.

HIGH

Cook for 3–4 hours.

The potatoes should be fork-tender and the green beans soft but not mushy.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Taste the broth.

If needed, add salt and additional pepper.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle into bowls with some broth.

Garnish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Fresh thyme
• Cracked black pepper

Serve hot.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham and Green Beans

Use Leftover Ham

Holiday ham works beautifully and adds wonderful smoky flavor.

Don’t Overcook

Check the vegetables near the end of the cooking time to keep them tender rather than mushy.

Choose Waxy Potatoes

Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking.

Adjust the Salt Last

Since ham varies in saltiness, season after cooking if needed.

Flavor Variations

Southern Style

Add:

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Cheesy Version

Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan over each serving.

Rustic Country Style

Add sliced carrots and celery for extra vegetables.

Creamy Version

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Ham & Beans

Add diced jalapeños and extra crushed red pepper flakes.

What to Serve With

Bread

• Cornbread
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Dinner rolls
• Crusty artisan bread

Salads

• Garden salad
• Caesar salad
• Coleslaw

Desserts

• Apple crisp
• Peach cobbler
• Lemon bars

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

Stovetop

Warm over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

*The sodium content will vary depending on the type of ham and broth used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes. Frozen green beans can be added directly to the slow cooker without thawing. They may cook a little faster than fresh beans.

Can I use a ham hock instead of diced ham?

Absolutely. A smoked ham hock adds rich flavor. Remove it after cooking, shred the meat, and stir it back into the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe low-carb?

Yes. Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to reduce the carbohydrate content.

Can I cook this overnight?

Yes, if your slow cooker has an automatic warm setting. For the best texture, avoid leaving it on “Warm” for too long after the cooking cycle ends.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! Carrots, celery, mushrooms, or cabbage are all excellent additions.

Recipe Notes

✅ One-pot comfort meal

✅ High in protein

✅ Family-friendly

✅ Great for meal prep

✅ Freezer-friendly

Make-Ahead Tip

Assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with warm cornbread or flaky biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad on the side makes it a complete and satisfying meal.

Chef’s Secret

For the richest flavor, lightly sauté the onion and garlic in a little butter before adding them to the slow cooker. If using leftover glazed ham, trim away any excess sugary glaze to keep the broth savory. Just before serving, stir in a small pat of butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and give the broth a silky finish.