Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans

Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans

Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans is a comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of smoked ham and fresh vegetables. This easy recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you at home. With its savory broth and tender ingredients, it’s a delightful addition to any dinner table.

Why Make This Recipe?

This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Second, it’s made in a slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully as it cooks. Finally, it’s a versatile dish; perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s packed with nutrition, thanks to the fresh beans and potatoes.

How to Make Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 2 to 2 1/2 pounds smoked ham hocks (or meaty ham shanks)
• 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed and snapped in half
• 2 pounds yellow potatoes, scrubbed and cut into quarters
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Directions:

1. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker:

• Place the smoked ham hocks at the bottom of a large slow cooker (5–7 quarts).
• Scatter the quartered yellow potatoes over the ham.
• Add the trimmed green beans on top.

1. Slowly pour the chicken broth over everything in the slow cooker. The liquid should mostly cover the potatoes and beans, but a few pieces peeking out is okay.
2. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook:

• On LOW for 7 to 8 hours
• Or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours Until the ham is very tender, the green beans are soft, and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.

1. Carefully transfer the ham hocks to a cutting board or plate.

• Remove and discard the skin, bones, and any large fatty pieces.
• Shred or chop the remaining ham into chunky bite-size pieces.

1. Add the shredded ham back into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine it with the green beans, potatoes, and broth.
2. Taste the broth. If your ham wasn’t very salty, you can add a pinch of salt and a little black pepper at this point if desired.
3. Ladle the ham, green beans, and potatoes into bowls, making sure to spoon plenty of the clear, savory broth over each serving. Serve hot, straight from the slow cooker, with extra black pepper on top if you like.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans

Serve this dish warm in bowls, making sure everyone gets some of the broth, ham, beans, and potatoes. It pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread for a fulfilling meal. Feel free to add a green salad on the side to create a complete dinner.

How to Store Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little broth added to maintain moisture. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans

• Make sure to trim the beans to ensure they cook evenly.
• You can use leftover ham from a holiday meal for this recipe.
• Feel free to add other vegetables, like carrots or onions, for more flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning after cooking to match your taste preferences.

Variation

For a different twist, try adding diced tomatoes or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the broth for a touch of acidity. You can also use different types of ham or smoked meat according to your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh ham instead of smoked ham hocks?

Yes, you can use fresh ham, but it may not have the same depth of flavor without the smoky notes from the hocks.

2. Is it possible to cook this dish in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can simmer all the ingredients in a regular pot on the stove over low heat for about 2-3 hours until everything is tender.

3. Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans

A comforting dish with smoked ham and fresh vegetables, perfect for busy days. This slow cooker recipe offers rich flavors and a hearty meal at home.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 to 2 1/2 pounds smoked ham hocks (or meaty ham shanks)
• 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed and snapped in half
• 2 pounds yellow potatoes, scrubbed and cut into quarters
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the smoked ham hocks at the bottom of a large slow cooker (5–7 quarts).
2. Scatter the quartered yellow potatoes over the ham.
3. Add the trimmed green beans on top.
4. Slowly pour the chicken broth over everything in the slow cooker.

Cooking

1. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until the ham is very tender, the green beans are soft, and the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
2. Carefully transfer the ham hocks to a cutting board or plate.
3. Remove and discard the skin, bones, and any large fatty pieces.
4. Shred or chop the remaining ham into chunky bite-size pieces.
5. Add the shredded ham back into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine with the green beans, potatoes, and broth.
6. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving

1. Ladle the ham, green beans, and potatoes into bowls, serving hot with plenty of the clear broth.

Notes

This dish pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider adding a green salad on the side. Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container.