This recipe transforms humble ham, green beans, and potatoes into a comforting and flavorful crock pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender potatoes, perfectly cooked green beans, and a savory ham that's bursting with taste. This dish is incredibly versatile – feel free to adjust seasonings and ingredients to your liking!
What kind of ham should I use for this recipe?
You can use a variety of ham for this recipe, offering flexibility depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. A bone-in ham adds extra flavor to the broth, while a boneless ham offers convenience and ease of serving.
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Bone-in Ham: A bone-in ham, either city ham or country ham, will impart a richer, more robust flavor to your dish. It’s best to use a leftover ham, allowing you to repurpose it for a new, delicious meal. Be sure to remove any excess fat before placing it in the slow cooker.
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Boneless Ham: Boneless ham steaks or a pre-cooked ham roast are excellent choices for convenience. They cook quickly and evenly in the slow cooker, eliminating the need for lengthy cooking times. Simply cut the ham into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Ham Steak: Individual ham steaks provide a great option for portion control and are perfect for smaller gatherings or individual servings.
How long do I cook ham, green beans, and potatoes in a crock pot?
The cooking time for this recipe depends largely on the type of ham you're using and your slow cooker's settings. However, a general guideline is as follows:
- Low Setting: 6-8 hours
- High Setting: 3-4 hours
Remember to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking can result in dry ham and mushy vegetables. For best results, use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Can I add other vegetables to this crock pot recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base, and you can easily customize it with additional vegetables. Consider adding:
- Carrots: Adds sweetness and a vibrant color.
- Onions: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Celery: Adds a subtle earthiness.
- Garlic: Boosts the overall flavor profile.
- Mushrooms: A hearty addition that soaks up the ham's delicious juices.
Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you're adding more vegetables.
What kind of potatoes are best for crock pot cooking?
Starchy potatoes, like russets or Yukon golds, are ideal for crock pot cooking. They hold their shape well and become incredibly tender during the long, slow cooking process. Avoid using waxy potatoes, like red potatoes, as they tend to become mushy. Cut the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
How do I make this recipe even tastier?
To elevate the flavor of your crock pot ham, green beans, and potatoes, consider adding:
- Seasoning: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and even a touch of smoked paprika.
- Broth: Using chicken or ham broth instead of water adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Liquid: Add enough liquid to nearly cover the vegetables and ham. You may need to adjust the amount depending on your crockpot's size.
Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect flavor combination!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meal prepping. You can assemble the ingredients in the crock pot the night before and cook it on low overnight. This allows the flavors to meld even better, resulting in a more intense and delicious meal.
This versatile crock pot ham, green beans, and potatoes recipe provides a satisfying and delicious meal without extensive prep time or effort. Enjoy!
