Crockpot green beans and ham is the epitome of effortless comfort food. This recipe transforms humble green beans into a savory, tender side dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the beans with the smoky richness of ham, creating a dish that's both delicious and deeply satisfying. This recipe is incredibly versatile; adjust the ingredients to your liking, and you’ll always have a crowd-pleaser on your hands.
What Makes this Crockpot Green Bean Recipe So Good?
Several factors contribute to the exceptional taste of this recipe:
- Simplicity: Minimal prep time and cleanup make this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Infusion: The slow cooker allows the flavors of the ham, garlic, and seasonings to meld seamlessly into the green beans, creating a depth of flavor unmatched by other cooking methods.
- Tender-Crisp Texture: The slow cooking process renders the green beans tender yet retains a slight crispness, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Versatility: Easily customizable with different herbs, spices, and even other vegetables.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 pound ham, cut into 1-inch pieces (bone-in or boneless works well)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Place the trimmed green beans, ham, chicken broth, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt (and any optional ingredients) in your slow cooker.
- Cook on Low: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the green beans are tender-crisp. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a touch of brown sugar to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve warm as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. However, you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly, as frozen green beans cook faster than fresh ones. Start by checking them for doneness after 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.
What kind of ham works best?
Both bone-in and boneless ham work well in this recipe. Bone-in ham will add a deeper, richer flavor to the dish. You can also use leftover ham, which is a fantastic way to use up leftovers and avoid food waste.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Consider adding other vegetables like sliced carrots, potatoes, or even a small chopped onion for added flavor and nutrition.
How do I store leftover green beans and ham?
Store leftover green beans and ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, this recipe can be easily adapted for an Instant Pot. Sauté the ham and garlic in the Instant Pot before adding the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! It's easy to make a large batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for several days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two.
This Crockpot green beans and ham recipe is a simple yet elegant side dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
