This is the holy trinity of Southern “set-it-and-forget-it” cooking. This Crock Pot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes dish is more than a side—it’s a tradition. In the South, we call this “smothered” cooking. The potatoes soak up the salty ham juices, and the green beans cook down until they are incredibly tender (no “crunch” here—this is all about that soft, flavor-packed texture).
🥘 Slow-Simmered Ham, Green Beans & Potatoes
The Ingredients
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1.5 lbs (700g) Fresh green beans (trimmed and snapped)
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1.5 lbs (700g) Baby potatoes (red or yellow, halved or quartered)
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1 lb (450g) Cooked ham, cubed (or a left-over ham bone with meat)
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1 Large onion, diced
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2 cups Chicken broth
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2 tbsp Butter, cubed
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1 tsp Garlic powder
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1 tsp Cracked black pepper
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1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for a tiny hint of heat)
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Salt (Use sparingly—the ham and broth bring plenty!)
The Instructions
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Layering: Place the diced onions and cubed ham at the bottom of the crock pot.
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The Veggies: Layer the potatoes on top of the ham, then pile the fresh green beans on top of the potatoes.
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The Seasoning: Sprinkle the garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the beans. Dot the top with the cubes of butter.
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The Liquid: Pour the chicken broth over everything. It won’t cover the veggies completely—that’s okay! The beans will steam perfectly in the slow cooker.
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The Slow Cook:
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Low: 7–8 hours (Recommended for the best flavor)
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High: 3–4 hours
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The Finish: Give everything a gentle toss before serving to ensure the ham juices coat the potatoes and beans.
💡 Why this fits your “Grand Feast”
You already have the Bean and Ham Hock Soup and the Slow Cooker Pasta Bake. This dish adds a “wet” vegetable side that is essential when you’re serving drier, crunchy items like Fried Chicken or Pork Chop Bites.
| Dish | Texture | Role |
| Ham, Beans & Spuds | Soft & Juicy | The comforting “Smothered” Side |
| Fried Chicken | Craggy & Crunchy | The Main Protein |
| Cornbread Poppers | Fluffy & Sweet | The Bread Component |
🥗 A Note on the “Green”
If you prefer your green beans with a bit of a “snap,” this slow cooker method isn’t for you. This recipe is designed for that classic country-style result where the beans become dark green and melt-in-your-mouth tender.