Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This crock pot recipe for ham, green beans, and potatoes is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. It's a hearty, healthy, and delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite. This easy recipe is perfect for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its best. Let's dive into this incredibly satisfying and simple recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless ham steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Cut the ham into cubes, halve or quarter the potatoes depending on their size, trim the green beans, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This simple step makes the cooking process much smoother.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
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Combine in Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the cubed ham, potatoes, green beans, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients ensuring everything is well coated.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked through. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more intense and satisfying taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the ham, green beans, and potatoes hot. This delicious and easy meal is perfect on its own, but you can also add a side of crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful juices.
Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, consider using a smoked ham steak.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham and Green Beans: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or oregano to customize the flavors to your liking.
- Creamy Ham and Green Beans: Stir in a half cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche during the last hour of cooking for a richer, creamier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This crock pot recipe for ham, green beans, and potatoes offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. It's a perfect example of simple homemade cooking that delivers big on flavor. Try it out and share your experience! We hope this recipe becomes one of your best recipes.