Crockpot Ham Beans Potatoes Recipe

There’s something utterly comforting about a proper, hearty meal slowly cooking away in the crockpot. On a rainy Tuesday, after ferrying the kids to and from school and clubs, the aroma of this crockpot ham, green beans, and potatoes wafting through the house is simply heavenly. It’s proper comfort food, and I’ve been making variations of this for years, tweaking it until my two little ones, bless their honest hearts, actually ask for seconds. With minimal effort, you’ll get a deliciously tender ham with perfectly cooked potatoes and green beans. No fuss, all flavour! This recipe gives you a delicious and easy meal that will become a family favourite.

Why This Recipe Works

This crockpot ham, green beans, and potatoes recipe is a lifesaver for busy families. Here’s why it works:

• It’s incredibly easy: Minimal prep work involved! Simply chop, toss, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
• It’s budget-friendly: Utilises affordable ingredients readily available in most supermarkets.
• It’s a complete meal: Ham, potatoes, and green beans offer a balanced, satisfying dinner all in one pot, minimising washing up – a major win!

I’ve found that the slow cooking process renders the ham incredibly tender, the potatoes perfectly creamy, and the green beans wonderfully infused with flavour. Trust me; after 8+ years of juggling family life and cooking, this is one of those recipes that actually works.

Ingredients

• 1 kg smoked gammon joint (approx. 2 lbs)
• 750g potatoes, peeled and cubed (approx. 1.6 lbs)
• 500g green beans, trimmed (approx. 1 lb)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500ml chicken stock (approx. 2 cups)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Gammon Joint: I prefer a smoked gammon joint for that lovely, smoky flavour, but unsmoked works just as well. You can find these in most supermarkets in the chilled meat section.

Potatoes: Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes are brilliant for this recipe because they hold their shape well during slow cooking. However, any general-purpose potato will do.

Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best, but frozen will work in a pinch. Just add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Honey: The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the salty ham. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup is a fine substitute. Brown sugar works as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Layer the Vegetables. Place the chopped onions at the bottom of the crockpot, followed by the cubed potatoes and minced garlic. This creates a base layer for the ham to sit on and infuses the vegetables with flavour as they cook.

Step 3: Add the Ham. Place the gammon joint on top of the potato and onion mixture. If the joint is quite large, you can cut it in half to fit comfortably inside the crockpot.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will keep the ham moist and flavourful throughout the cooking process.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce. Pour the chicken stock mixture over the gammon joint, ensuring that it partially covers the ham and potatoes. You might not need all the stock; just add enough to reach about halfway up the side of the ham.

Step 6: Slow Cook. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The ham is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

Step 7: Add the Green Beans. During the last hour of cooking, add the trimmed green beans to the crockpot. This ensures they are tender-crisp and not overcooked.

Step 8: Serve. Once the green beans are cooked, remove the ham from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced ham with the potatoes, green beans, and any remaining sauce from the crockpot. Proper delicious!

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

• Preventing Dryness: If you find the ham is drying out during cooking, add a little more chicken stock. I usually check on it halfway through and add a splash if needed.
• Time-Saving Hack: Pre-chop the vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This saves precious time in the morning.
• Flavour Boost: Add a bay leaf to the crockpot for extra flavour. Just remember to remove it before serving!
• Kid-Friendly Tip: My kids are sometimes fussy about green beans, so I often add a knob of butter to sweeten them up a bit. It works a treat!
• Make-Ahead Strategy: You can assemble the entire crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the green beans during the last hour of cooking.
• Budget-Conscious Tip: Keep an eye out for discounted gammon joints at your local supermarket. They often have deals on slightly older cuts that are perfectly fine for slow cooking.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the ham can make it dry and tough. Keep an eye on it, and check for tenderness with a fork.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Leftover ham, green beans, and potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent them from drying out.

Meal Prep: This recipe is brilliant for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch on Sunday and portion it out into individual containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Batch Cooking: This recipe doubles easily, making it perfect for batch cooking. Cook a larger gammon joint and increase the other ingredients accordingly.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Ensure your chicken stock is dairy-free.

Vegetarian: Obviously, you can’t have ham if you’re vegetarian! You could try swapping the ham for smoked tofu or add some extra root vegetables like carrots and parsnips for a veggie version.

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, English mustard will work. I have tried using new potatoes and they also work really well.

Seasonal Variations: In the autumn, try adding some chopped butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a seasonal twist. In the spring, you could add some asparagus alongside the green beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, I often do this on Sunday evenings before the busy school week. Simply prepare everything up to the cooking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it into the crockpot, and you’ll save yourself precious time. Don’t add the green beans until the last hour, though.

How do I know when the ham is done?

The ham is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Use a fork to gently test the ham in the thickest part. If it resists, it needs more time. Don’t overcook it, or it will become dry.

Can I use a different type of stock?

Yes, you can use vegetable stock or even beef stock in place of chicken stock. Just be mindful of the flavour profile, as it will slightly alter the overall taste of the dish.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. However, I recommend adding them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

My kids are fussy eaters. Will they like this?

My two can be quite picky, but they generally enjoy this! The slight sweetness from the honey and the comforting flavours of the ham and potatoes tend to be a hit. Try cutting the ham into smaller pieces for younger children.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger family?

Absolutely! Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed. You may need a larger crockpot to accommodate the increased volume.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it for the oven. Place all the ingredients in a Dutch oven or large pot with a lid, and cook at 160°C (320°F) for 2-3 hours, or until the ham is tender.

Serving Suggestions

This crockpot ham, green beans, and potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve with a dollop of English mustard or horseradish sauce.
• Accompany it with some crusty bread for mopping up the delicious sauce.
• A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.

My family often enjoys this with a side of buttered peas or some homemade coleslaw. Portion sizes will vary depending on appetite, but I usually allow for about 200g of ham per person, along with a generous helping of potatoes and green beans.

And don’t forget a nice cup of tea to go with it!

So, there you have it! A simple, comforting, and utterly delicious crockpot ham, green beans, and potatoes recipe that’s perfect for busy family life. I truly hope you give it a go and that it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Don’t be shy, give it a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments – I’m always keen to hear your honest feedback. And if you’re looking for more family-friendly recipes, do pop over to FamiliesRecipes.com and join our little community. Happy cooking!

Print