Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans: A Simple, Old-Fashioned Comfort Meal
Introduction
Some of the most comforting meals are made with simple ingredients and traditional home-style cooking. This Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans recipe brings together smoky ham, tender green beans, potatoes, and savory broth for a hearty dinner that feels warm and familiar.
Inspired by old-fashioned country cooking, this easy slow cooker meal requires very little hands-on preparation. As the ingredients cook together, the ham adds a rich, smoky flavor to the broth, while the potatoes become tender and the green beans soak up all that delicious seasoning.
It’s a wonderful choice for busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a simple, satisfying meal without complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Uses familiar ingredients that are easy to find.
- Easy preparation: Let the slow cooker do most of the work.
- Hearty and filling: Ham, potatoes, and green beans make a satisfying combination.
- Savory country flavor: The ham seasons the broth as everything cooks.
- Perfect for family meals: Serve it straight from the slow cooker for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste, if needed
How to Make Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the green beans and trim off their ends. Cut the baby potatoes in half, or into similarly sized pieces if they’re larger. Slice the onion and mince the garlic.
Keeping the potatoes roughly the same size helps them cook evenly.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the potatoes and sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the green beans, followed by the cooked ham and minced garlic.
Pour the chicken broth over everything. Add the butter and black pepper.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the green beans reach your preferred texture.
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potato pieces and whether you prefer your green beans slightly firm or very soft.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust the Seasoning
Stir gently to distribute the savory broth. Taste before adding salt because ham and chicken broth can already contain plenty of sodium.
If you prefer a stronger flavor, allow the ingredients to cook together a little longer, checking that the vegetables don’t become overly soft.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Spoon the ham, green beans, and potatoes into bowls, adding some of the flavorful broth to each serving.
Serve hot with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for a comforting, country-style meal.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
- Choose flavorful ham: Leftover baked ham or fully cooked ham pieces work well. Smoked ham can add even more savory flavor.
- Cut potatoes evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook more consistently.
- Use fresh green beans: Fresh beans provide a pleasant texture, although frozen green beans can also work.
- Watch the salt: Taste the broth before seasoning, especially when using salty ham.
- Prefer firmer green beans? Add them during the final 2–3 hours of cooking rather than at the beginning.
- Want a richer broth? Replace part of the chicken broth with ham broth, adjusting the salt as needed.
What to Serve With Ham and Green Beans
This meal is hearty enough to serve on its own, but a few simple sides can make it feel even more complete.
Try serving it with:
- Warm cornbread
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Crusty country bread
- A simple garden salad
- Steamed carrots
- Homemade dinner rolls
Bread is especially good for soaking up the savory broth.
Leftovers and Storage
Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store the ham and vegetables with some broth to help maintain their flavor and moisture.
Refrigerate for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until the leftovers reach 165°F (74°C).
You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to about 2–3 months for best quality. Keep in mind that potatoes and green beans may become softer after freezing and thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans is a comforting, old-fashioned meal that turns simple ingredients into a hearty family dinner. With smoky ham, tender potatoes, green beans, and a savory broth, every bowl delivers the kind of home-style flavor that’s perfect for a cozy evening.
Serve it with warm bread, share it around the table, and enjoy a simple slow cooker meal that makes dinner feel effortless.