This recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender potatoes, vibrant green beans, and perfectly infused ham. Forget complicated recipes – this one's easy to follow and always a crowd-pleaser.
What You'll Need:
- 1 lb. bone-in ham steak (or leftover ham, cubed)
- 1 lb. small red potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Layer the Ingredients: In your slow cooker, layer the potatoes, green beans, and chopped onion. Place the ham steak (or cubed ham) on top.
- Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour and Cook: Pour the sauce evenly over the ham and vegetables.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are bright green and easily pierced with a fork. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the size of your potatoes.
- Serve: Serve hot. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also add a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions people have about making ham, green beans, and potatoes in a crock pot.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. However, you may want to add them during the last hour or two of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. Frozen green beans already contain moisture, so you might also consider reducing the amount of chicken broth slightly.
What kind of ham should I use?
You can use a bone-in ham steak, a boneless ham steak, or even leftover cooked ham, cubed. If using leftover ham, you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking. Bone-in ham adds extra flavor to the dish.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use less brown sugar, reduce the amount of ham, and increase the amount of vegetables. You can also substitute chicken broth with low-sodium broth or even vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option (though the flavor profile will change slightly).
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or even some diced bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on how long those vegetables need to cook. Add harder vegetables, like carrots, at the beginning with the potatoes.
What if my potatoes aren't fully cooked?
If your potatoes aren't fully cooked after the recommended cooking time, simply continue cooking on low for another 30-60 minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness. Check them frequently to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
While this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot. You'll likely need to adjust the cooking time and pressure settings. Search online for “Instant Pot ham, green beans, and potatoes” for specific instructions and timings.
This recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a complete meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker magic infuses the ham flavor throughout the vegetables, creating a truly satisfying and comforting dish. Enjoy!
