Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans
Bring a little old-fashioned comfort to your dinner table with this Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans recipe. Tender green beans, savory chunks of ham, and soft potatoes simmer together in a flavorful broth until everything is infused with delicious, homestyle flavor. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal made with simple ingredients and very little hands-on preparation.
Inspired by traditional Amish country cooking, this easy crockpot dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday suppers, or whenever you’re craving a warm, comforting meal. The slow cooker gently brings all the flavors together, making the green beans tender and the potatoes wonderfully soft.
Best of all, you don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy cooking techniques. Just layer everything in the slow cooker, let it simmer, and enjoy a rustic meal the whole family can gather around.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Ham, green beans, potatoes, onion, and broth create a satisfying meal.
- Easy slow cooker preparation: Let the crockpot handle most of the cooking.
- Hearty and filling: Potatoes and ham make this more than just a vegetable side dish.
- Old-fashioned comfort food: A cozy, country-style dinner inspired by Amish cooking.
- Great for leftovers: The flavors continue to blend as the dish rests.
- Budget-friendly: A wonderful way to use leftover cooked ham.
- One-pot convenience: Less cleanup and more time to enjoy your day.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Amish-Inspired, American
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
🛒 Ingredients
The 5 Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds cooked ham, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Seasonings
These additions are optional and are not included in the five main ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste, if needed
Helpful note: Ham and broth can both be salty, so taste the cooking liquid before adding extra salt. If you’re using leftover ham, make sure it has been stored safely in the refrigerator.
🍳 Equipment Needed
- 5- to 6-quart slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cup
- Colander
- Serving spoon
- Meat thermometer
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and trim the green beans, removing the ends. Cut larger beans in half.
Wash the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized halves or quarters. Slice the onion and cut the cooked ham into bite-sized cubes.
Keeping the potato pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Onion
Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the sliced onion over the potatoes. This creates a flavorful base for the green beans and ham.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans
Spread the prepared green beans over the potatoes and onion.
Fresh green beans are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape during the longer cooking time.
Step 4: Add the Ham
Scatter the cubed cooked ham evenly over the vegetables.
Sprinkle with black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme if desired.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Pour the chicken broth evenly over the ingredients.
The broth will help soften the potatoes and green beans while creating a savory cooking liquid. You don’t need to completely submerge everything.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cooking times vary by slow cooker and the size of the potato pieces. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the green beans should reach your preferred level of tenderness.
Because the ham is already cooked, the goal is to heat it thoroughly and allow its flavor to blend with the vegetables. If using leftover cooked ham, reheat the finished dish to 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Stir and Serve
Gently stir everything together, taking care not to mash the potatoes.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Spoon the ham, green beans, and potatoes into bowls, adding a little of the warm cooking liquid over each serving.
Serve hot and enjoy!
💡 Tips for the Best Amish Ham and Green Beans
Use Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans provide the best texture and hold up well during slow cooking. Frozen green beans can also be used, but they may become softer.
Choose a Good Ham
Leftover baked ham is an excellent choice. Ham steak or a boneless cooked ham also works well. Avoid using raw ham unless you adjust the recipe and cooking method for that specific cut.
Cut Potatoes Evenly
Large potato pieces take longer to cook. Cut them into similar-sized chunks so they become tender at about the same time.
Keep the Salt Under Control
Ham can be naturally salty, especially if it is cured or smoked. Use low-sodium broth and add salt only after tasting the finished dish.
Don’t Overcook the Green Beans
If you prefer green beans with a little bite, check them toward the earlier end of the cooking window. Longer cooking produces the very soft texture often associated with traditional country-style green beans.
Let the Dish Rest Briefly
After cooking, let the dish sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a little time to settle.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Amish Ham, Green Beans, and Carrots
Add 1 cup of sliced carrots for extra color and natural sweetness. Layer them with the potatoes.
Smoky Country-Style Green Beans
Use smoked ham or a small amount of cooked bacon for a deeper smoky flavor.
Garlic Butter Ham and Green Beans
Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of butter and a little garlic powder before serving for a richer finish.
Southern-Style Ham and Green Beans
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper and a little extra black pepper for a gentle kick.
Creamy Ham and Green Beans
For a creamier variation, stir in ¼ cup of cream during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking. This creates a richer broth but changes the recipe from its traditional broth-based version.
Frozen Green Bean Version
Use approximately 1½ pounds of frozen green beans. Add them directly to the slow cooker, knowing they may cook more quickly and become softer than fresh beans.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This slow cooker meal is hearty enough to serve on its own because it includes ham, potatoes, and green beans. If you’d like to round out the meal, try serving it with:
- Warm homemade dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Buttermilk biscuits
- A crisp garden salad
- Buttered cabbage
- Applesauce
- Pickled beets
For a cozy country-style supper, serve a generous bowl with warm cornbread and a little extra broth spooned over the top.
🥡 Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator
Transfer leftovers into shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store at 40°F (4°C) or below and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Freezer
Allow the dish to cool, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Potatoes and green beans may become softer after thawing, but the dish will still be suitable for reheating.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through. You can also warm larger portions in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of broth if the mixture has become too thick.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
📊 Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving, based on six servings and the ingredients listed. Actual values vary with the type of ham, broth, and potato portions.
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1,050mg
Ham can vary considerably in sodium, so using low-sodium broth and a less salty ham can help reduce the total.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Absolutely! This is a wonderful way to use leftover baked ham after Christmas, Easter, or a family gathering. Cut it into cubes and add it directly to the slow cooker.
Can I use canned green beans?
Yes. Drain the canned green beans and add them during the final 1–2 hours on LOW or approximately 30–45 minutes on HIGH. Since they are already cooked, adding them too early can make them mushy.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Frozen green beans are a convenient alternative to fresh. Add them directly to the slow cooker, but expect a softer texture.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No. Baby potatoes have thin skins, so washing them well is usually enough. If using larger russet potatoes, peeling is optional.
Can I use ham hocks instead of cooked ham?
Yes, but the recipe will need a different approach. Ham hocks are usually uncooked or require extended cooking to become tender. They should be cooked until fully tender, and you may need to remove the meat from the bone before serving. The cooking time and broth amount may also need adjustment.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can wash and cut the vegetables and cube the cooked ham a day ahead. Store everything in separate covered containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the slow cooker just before cooking.
Why are my potatoes still firm?
Potato pieces that are too large or a slow cooker that runs at a lower temperature can increase cooking time. Cut potatoes evenly and continue cooking until they are fork-tender.
Can I make this recipe without chicken broth?
Yes. Water can be used, although the dish will have a milder flavor. You can also use low-sodium vegetable broth if it suits your preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check the chicken broth and ham labels for additives or ingredients containing gluten.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans recipe is simple, hearty, and full of old-fashioned country comfort. Savory ham, tender green beans, soft potatoes, and flavorful broth come together in one easy slow cooker meal that makes dinner feel warm and welcoming.
Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham or preparing an easy weeknight supper, this recipe is a practical way to turn a handful of everyday ingredients into something satisfying.