Imagine coming home to a meal that cooked itself while you were busy adulting (or pretending to). This crockpot ham, green beans, and potatoes recipe is the lazy genius’s answer to dinner. No fancy skills required—just dump, set, and forget.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like you’ve got your life together, even if your laundry pile says otherwise. Plus, it’s cheap, filling, and tastes like comfort food royalty. Who needs takeout when your crockpot does all the work?
What Makes This Recipe So Good
This recipe is the culinary equivalent of a trusty old hoodie—reliable, cozy, and impossible to mess up.
The ham infuses everything with salty, smoky flavor, while the potatoes soak it all up like little sponges of deliciousness. Green beans add a pop of color and a hint of freshness, so you can pretend it’s healthy. And the best part? Zero babysitting required. Throw it in, walk away, and let the magic happen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs ham (diced or sliced—your call)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved if they’re big)
- 1 lb green beans (trimmed, unless you enjoy chewing stems)
- 1 onion (chopped, because nobody wants a whole onion floating around)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, or use the pre-minced stuff if you’re lazy)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water in a pinch)
- 1 tsp black pepper (because bland food is a crime)
- 1 tsp paprika (for a smidge of drama)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer the ingredients: Toss the ham, potatoes, green beans, onion, and garlic into the crockpot.No need to be neat—chaos is fine.
- Season it: Sprinkle the pepper and paprika over everything like you’re seasoning the heck out of your problems.
- Add the broth: Pour it over the top. Don’t stir—let the flavors mingle on their own terms.
- Cook it: Set the crockpot to low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5. Walk away and live your life.
- Serve: Scoop it into bowls and pretend you’re a gourmet chef.Optional: garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove—just add a splash of broth if it’s dry. Want to freeze it?
Go for it, but the potatoes might get a little mushy. IMO, it’s still better than cooking again.
Benefits of This Recipe
This dish is the trifecta of awesome: easy, cheap, and delicious. It’s packed with protein from the ham, fiber from the green beans, and carbs from the potatoes—AKA the holy trinity of staying full. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a joke.
FYI, it’s also kid-friendly, because even picky eaters can’t argue with ham and potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: If you let it go too long, the green beans will turn to mush. Nobody wants sad, limp beans.
- Underseasoning: Ham is salty, but the potatoes need love too. Taste before serving and adjust.
- Stirring too much: Let the ingredients do their thing.Stirring breaks the potatoes and makes everything mushy.
Alternatives
Not feeling ham? Swap it for chicken sausage or even turkey kielbasa. Vegetarian?
Use smoked tofu and veggie broth. Out of green beans? Try carrots or bell peppers.
Potatoes can be replaced with sweet potatoes if you’re feeling ~nutritious~. The crockpot is your playground—experiment.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but thaw them first. Frozen beans release extra water, which can make the dish soupy.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Nope.
The skins add texture and nutrients. Plus, peeling is for overachievers.
Can I cook this on high the whole time?
You can, but low and slow gives better flavor. High heat is for emergencies only.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water works, but add an extra pinch of salt.
Or use bouillon cubes—they’re the lazy cook’s best friend.
Final Thoughts
This crockpot ham, green beans, and potatoes recipe is the ultimate no-brainer meal. It’s forgiving, flexible, and foolproof—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Plus, it tastes like you actually tried.
So dust off that crockpot and let it do the heavy lifting. Your future self will thank you.
