The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity.
1.5 lbs small red or gold potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed
1.5 lbs cooked ham, cut into large chunks (a ham steak works perfectly)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for smokiness)
2 tablespoons butter, sliced (for richness)
Optional for Serving:
Fresh parsley, chopped
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
The Simple “Set-It-and-Forget-It” Method
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Place the halved potatoes and trimmed green beans in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the top.
Arrange the chunks of ham evenly over the vegetables.
Sprinkle everything with the dried thyme, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Add Liquid and Cook
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. The liquid should come about halfway up the ingredients; it doesn’t need to cover everything completely.
Place the slices of butter on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The dish is done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are soft.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt only if needed (the ham and broth are often salty enough).
For a bright finish, garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness.
Ladle into bowls, making sure to get some of the delicious broth at the bottom. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
5 Pro Tips for the Best Results
Cut Potatoes Uniformly: Ensure all potato pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: If you prefer your green beans with more bite, add them during the last 1-2 hours of cooking instead of at the beginning.
Use the Broth: The cooking liquid becomes a deeply flavorful broth. Don’t discard it! Serve the meal in shallow bowls like a stew.
Brown the Ham First: For a deeper flavor, quickly sear the ham chunks in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a delicious caramelized crust.
Thicken the Broth (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy-like sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water at the end of cooking. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, set it to HIGH, and cook for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Delicious Variations to Try
Creamy Version: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices.
Herb-Forward: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or sage in place of the dried thyme.
With Smoked Sausage: Replace the ham with sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
