Slow-Cooker Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe for Busy Nights

This Crockpot Potatoes and Green Beans with ham is quick to assemble and makes a hearty, flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.

This nourishing one-pot dish works well as a main course with a simple side salad and crusty bread, or as a substantial side alongside other vegetables. The ham adds depth while a hint of cinnamon and cloves enhances the meat’s natural sweetness without tasting unusual. Thyme ties everything together with the green beans and potatoes for a balanced, comforting dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This green beans and potatoes recipe with ham is an easy, comforting option that elevates familiar ingredients with a small touch of warm spices. It’s perfect for busy days because it’s essentially a dump-and-go slow cooker meal, yet it yields a dish that feels special enough for guests.

• Easy – Assemble in minutes, then let the crockpot do the work. Check doneness after 3–4 hours on high or after several hours on low.
• Hearty – Filling enough to be a complete meal while still pairing nicely with sides if desired.
• Simple Ingredients – Green beans, potatoes, ham (or a ham hock), and common seasonings make this accessible and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

What you’ll need:

• 36 ounces fresh or frozen green beans (trimmed and cut to bite-size)
• 3 cups water
• 1 pound pork/ham hock (or 2 cups diced cooked ham)
• 4 large thin-skinned potatoes (yellow or red), cut into 1-inch bite-size chunks (about 1½–2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon thyme (fresh or dried)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1–2 tablespoons oil (a light drizzle)

(See recipe card below for measurements and printable instructions.)

Instructions

How to make Crockpot Green Beans, Potatoes & Ham:

1. Place the ham hock (or diced ham) in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the green beans, water, and potato chunks on top.
2. Sprinkle the thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cloves, and cinnamon over the vegetables. Toss gently to combine, then drizzle with 1–2 tablespoons of oil and cover the crockpot.
3. Cook on high for about 4 hours, or on low for 5–6 hours, depending on your schedule and appliance. Start checking for doneness an hour before the recommended finish time to prevent overcooking.
4. When the potatoes and green beans are tender, remove the ham hock and let it cool briefly. Remove meat from the bone and dice it, then return the ham pieces to the crockpot. Set the crockpot to warm until ready to serve.

(Scroll down for the printable recipe card.)

Tips

• Cut potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly with the green beans.
• Avoid overcooking — green beans can become mushy if left too long. Check periodically near the end of the cook time.

Substitutions

Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best, but frozen are a good alternative since they’re often flash-frozen and retain flavor. If using canned green beans, add them only in the last 30 minutes to avoid a mushy texture.

Ham: A ham hock (pork hock) contributes great flavor thanks to the meat on the bone. If you prefer, use leftover diced ham (about 2 cups) or add cooked bacon for extra smokiness.

Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder are convenient, but finely minced fresh garlic and onion will work as well. If you don’t have thyme, substitute oregano, parsley, marjoram, or an Italian seasoning blend—reduce added salt if your blend contains salt.

FAQs

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. When reheating, warm gently and add up to 1 cup of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Reheat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the green beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or corn bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad or a crisp cucumber salad pairs nicely with the savory ham and tender vegetables.

More One-Pot Recipes

Try other comforting one-pot and slow cooker recipes for easy weeknight dinners and gatherings.

Recipe