Hey there! So, let me tell you about this delightful dish that’s been in my family for ages—it’s called Crockpot Ham Green Beans Potatoes. It’s like a little hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly days when you want something hearty without too much fuss. I first had this at my grandma’s house, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. You just chuck everything in the crockpot and let it be. I remember once, in a bit of a hurry, I forgot to plug in the crockpot—lesson learned!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This dish is a lifesaver on busy weekdays! I make this when I’ve got a million things to do and no time to babysit the stove. My family goes crazy for this because it’s just so simple yet comforting (plus, who doesn’t love ham?). Sometimes, I even sneak in a few extra vegetables when the kids aren’t looking, shh! It’s kind of like magic how the flavors meld together, especially after a long day. And if you have picky eaters, well, they’ll probably devour it.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb of ham, cubed (I sometimes use smoked sausage instead when in a hurry)
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed (frozen works too—no judgment!)
- 1.5 lbs potatoes, diced (my grandma swore by red potatoes, but any kind will do)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth (sometimes I make it a bit richer with vegetable broth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (I tend to get a bit heavy-handed with the pepper)
How to Make This Tasty Dish
- Start by tossing all your ingredients into the crockpot. Yep, just throw ’em in there. No need to be fancy.
- Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for about 6-7 hours. This is where I usually sneak a taste—quality control, you know?
- If you’re running short on time, high for 3-4 hours works too, but low and slow is my motto.
- Once the potatoes are tender and everything looks like a hot mess (in a good way), it’s done.
Notes from My Kitchen
So, I found out that if you add the green beans too early, they might get a bit mushy. I throw them in during the last hour if I remember. And don’t stress if the potatoes look a little weird at first—they smooth out beautifully.
Variations I’ve Tried
Once, I tried adding some carrots but ended up with an orange-ish tint that was… interesting. My brother actually liked it though! You could also try adding some bacon bits for a smokier flavor.
If You Don’t Have a Crockpot
No worries! You can do this on the stovetop in a big ol’ pot. Just simmer it low and slow. It’s not quite the same, but it works in a pinch.
How to Store Leftovers
Honestly, in my house, this never lasts more than a day, but if you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheats like a dream.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this with a warm crusty bread to soak up all the goodness. My family has this tradition of having it with a side of coleslaw for a little crunch!
Pro Tips for Success
I once tried to rush by turning the heat up too soon—big mistake. The potatoes weren’t cooked through and it was a tad crunchy. Slow and steady wins the race here!
FAQ: Let’s Chat!
Can I use canned green beans? Sure thing, just add them in the last hour so they don’t get too soft.
Can this be made vegetarian? Totally! Just skip the ham and use vegetable broth. Maybe toss in some mushrooms for umami.
What if I don’t like onions? No biggie, just leave them out or swap with a sprinkle of onion powder.
For more cooking tips, check out Serious Eats and The Kitchn—they’re my go-tos when I’m stuck!