Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes: A Crock-Pot Classic
My grandmother, bless her heart, was a creature of habit. Every Sunday after church, without fail, she’d have some variation of ham, green beans, and potatoes simmering away in her ancient, avocado-green crock pot. The aroma would waft through the house, a comforting promise of a simple, hearty meal. It wasn’t fancy, but it was love on a plate, and to this day, the scent of cooked ham and green beans instantly transports me back to her cozy kitchen. This recipe, inspired by her classic, is a testament to the magic of slow cooking and the power of simple, honest food.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Yield: About 8 cups
- Dietary Type: Generally gluten-free and dairy-free (check ham ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 smoked pork hock
- 1 (15 ounce) jar whole white pearl onions, undrained
- 1 (16 ounce) package cooked diced ham (or leftover sliced ham), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen French-cut green beans (or regular cut, or canned, drained)
- 4 baking potatoes, diced (or red potatoes, halved or quartered, depending on size)
Equipment Needed
- Crock-Pot (slow cooker)
- Cutting board
- Knife
Instructions
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First, prepare your ingredients. Dice the baking potatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes. If you’re using red potatoes, halve or quarter them depending on their size; you want them to be roughly the same size as the diced baking potatoes. Open the jar of pearl onions – no need to drain them yet!
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Now, it’s time to assemble everything in the crock pot. Start by placing the diced potatoes in the bottom of the crock pot. This will give them the longest cooking time and ensure they are tender.
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Next, add the frozen green beans on top of the potatoes. There’s no need to thaw them; they will cook perfectly in the slow cooker. If you are using canned green beans, hold off adding them until the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
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Then, layer the cooked diced ham over the green beans. If you are using leftover sliced ham, simply cut it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the crock pot.
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Nestle the smoked pork hock amongst the other ingredients. The pork hock will impart a wonderful smoky flavor to the entire dish.
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Finally, pour the undrained jar of pearl onions over everything. The liquid from the jar will add moisture and flavor to the dish as it cooks.
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Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours.
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Once the cooking time is up, check the potatoes for doneness. They should be easily pierced with a fork. If they are not quite tender, continue cooking for another 30 minutes to an hour.
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If you used canned green beans, stir them in during the last hour of cooking time.
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Before serving, remove the smoked pork hock. The meat will be very tender and falling off the bone. Discard the skin and bone, and shred any remaining meat into the crock pot. Stir everything together to distribute the shredded pork.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Boost the Flavor: For an even richer flavor, consider browning the ham in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot. This will create a delicious crust and add depth to the dish.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crock pot before cooking.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Dried thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf would all be excellent additions. Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Preventing Mushy Green Beans: For best results, use frozen or fresh green beans. If using canned, add them only during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve the Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoes hot, straight from the crock pot. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm gently in a saucepan on the stovetop. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 248 kcal | 12% |
| Total Fat | 4.7 g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% |
| Cholesterol | 39 mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 1157 mg | 50% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31 g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g | 18% |
| Sugars | 6 g | 12% |
| Protein | 21 g | 42% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and pork hock and add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of the liquid from the pearl onions.
- Different Potatoes: Feel free to experiment with different types of potatoes, such as Yukon gold or fingerling potatoes.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like carrots, celery, or parsnips for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño pepper for a touch of heat.
- Herb Variations: Swap out or add fresh herbs like parsley or chives after cooking for a brighter flavor.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Just trim and snap the fresh green beans before adding them to the crock pot.
Q: Can I use a different cut of pork instead of the pork hock?
A: Yes, you can use a smoked ham hock or even a piece of smoked bacon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Of course! Carrots, celery, and corn are all great additions.
Q: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A: While it’s generally better to cook on low for the best flavor, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Just be sure to check the potatoes for doneness more frequently.
Q: Do I need to add any extra liquid?
A: The liquid from the pearl onions should be sufficient, but if you find that the mixture is getting too dry, you can add a little chicken broth or water.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe brings you as much comfort and joy as it does to me. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday afternoon. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. And, if you try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Serve it with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea and enjoy!