Crockpot Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes

Crockpot Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes: A Simple Southern-Style Comfort Meal

Crockpot Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes is a warm, hearty one-pot meal made with tender potatoes, savory ham, and green beans slowly cooked together until the flavors blend beautifully. It is simple, filling, and perfect for busy days because the slow cooker does most of the work.

This recipe is especially popular because it uses basic ingredients but creates a rich, home-cooked flavor. The ham gives the broth a smoky, salty taste, the potatoes become soft and buttery, and the green beans absorb all the savory flavor as they cook.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds ham, diced
• 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, halved
• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
• Salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Start by cutting the ham into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover baked ham, smoked ham steak, ham hock meat, or thick-cut ham.

If the ham is already salty, be careful with extra salt. It is better to season lightly at first and adjust at the end.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes well. If using baby potatoes, cut them in half. If using larger potatoes, cut them into medium chunks.

Yukon gold or red potatoes work well because they hold their shape in the slow cooker. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they may break down more and make the broth thicker.

Step 3: Prepare the Green Beans

Trim the ends from the green beans and cut them into smaller pieces if desired.

Fresh green beans give the best texture. Frozen green beans can also be used, but canned green beans should be added near the end because they are already soft.

Step 4: Layer the Crockpot

Add the potatoes to the bottom of the crockpot first. Potatoes take longer to cook, so placing them at the bottom helps them become tender.

Add the chopped onion, garlic, ham, and green beans on top.

Sprinkle in black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Add Broth and Butter

Pour the chicken broth over everything.

Add the butter on top. As it melts, it gives the vegetables a richer flavor and makes the broth taste smoother.

Do not add too much liquid. The vegetables will release moisture as they cook.

Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the crockpot with the lid.

Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are soft.

If using canned green beans, add them during the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking so they do not become mushy.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Once the potatoes are tender, stir everything gently.

Taste the broth before adding extra salt. Ham can be salty, so you may not need much.

If you want a stronger flavor, add a little more black pepper, garlic powder, or a small spoon of butter before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the ham, green beans, and potatoes warm in bowls or deep plates.

This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with cornbread, dinner rolls, biscuits, rice, or a simple side salad.

Helpful Tips

For a deeper smoky flavor, use smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey.

For a thicker broth, lightly mash a few potato pieces before serving.

For a brighter flavor, add a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end.

For extra richness, add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese when serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. If the broth thickens, add a splash of water or chicken broth.

Cheesy Chicken Fritters

Cheesy Chicken Fritters: Crispy, Juicy Chicken Bites with Melted Cheese

Cheesy Chicken Fritters are golden, pan-fried chicken patties made with chopped chicken, shredded cheese, eggs, herbs, and simple seasonings. They are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with savory cheesy flavor.

These fritters are perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or party appetizers. They are easy to make and cook quickly, making them a great recipe when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons oil for frying

Step 1: Chop the Chicken

Cut the chicken into very small pieces. Do not grind it completely. Small chopped pieces give the fritters a juicy texture.

Chicken breast makes lighter fritters, while chicken thighs make them richer and more tender.

Place the chopped chicken into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

Add mozzarella and cheddar cheese to the chicken.

Mozzarella gives the fritters a soft, melty texture, while cheddar adds a stronger cheesy flavor. You can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or parmesan.

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