Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans is the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that brings simple ingredients together for a hearty, satisfying meal. Tender green beans, savory ham, and soft potatoes slowly cook together until everything is full of delicious homemade flavor.
This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to develop while you go about your day.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Ham and Green Beans Recipe
There is something special about recipes that do not require complicated ingredients or elaborate preparation. This Amish-inspired dish is a wonderful example of simple country cooking.
- Easy to prepare
- Made with affordable ingredients
- Perfect for the slow cooker
- Hearty enough to serve as a complete meal
- Great for using leftover ham
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Excellent for make-ahead meals
- Delicious with homemade bread or rolls
Ingredients
Ham
Use cooked ham, ham steak, leftover holiday ham, or a meaty ham bone. Cut the ham into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
The ham provides the savory, smoky flavor that seasons the entire dish as it cooks.
Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans are ideal for this recipe. Trim the ends and cut the beans into smaller pieces if desired.
Frozen green beans can also be used when fresh beans are unavailable.
Potatoes
Small potatoes or peeled and cubed potatoes work beautifully. Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes can all be used.
Cut the potatoes into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Seasonings and Cooking Liquid
Simple seasonings such as salt and black pepper are enough to complement the ham and vegetables. Depending on your preferred version, a small amount of broth or water can be added to help create a flavorful cooking liquid.
How to Make Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the green beans and trim the ends.
Wash, peel if desired, and cut the potatoes into medium-sized chunks.
Cut the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces. If you are using a ham bone, leave it whole.
Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker
Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the green beans over the potatoes.
Place the ham on top.
Layering the ingredients this way helps the potatoes cook evenly while the juices from the ham flavor the vegetables.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle with black pepper and any additional seasonings you prefer.
Be careful with added salt because ham can already contain a significant amount of sodium.
Step 4: Add the Cooking Liquid
Pour in enough broth or water to create moisture in the bottom of the slow cooker without completely covering the ingredients.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 6 to 8 hours or until the potatoes and green beans are tender.
The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the potato pieces and the individual slow cooker.
Step 6: Check and Serve
Once the vegetables are tender and the ham is heated through, carefully remove any ham bone if used.
Taste the cooking liquid and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with plenty of the flavorful broth spooned over the vegetables.
What Makes This Recipe Amish-Inspired?
Traditional Amish cooking is often associated with simple, hearty meals prepared with accessible ingredients and a focus on feeding family and community.
Ham, green beans, and potatoes are classic ingredients for this style of home cooking. Rather than relying on complicated sauces or numerous seasonings, the dish allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.
Slow cooking is especially well suited to this type of recipe because it produces tender vegetables and allows the savory flavor of the ham to permeate the entire dish.
What Kind of Ham Should You Use?
Almost any cooked ham can work.
Leftover Holiday Ham
This is an excellent way to turn leftover ham into another complete dinner.
Ham Steak
Ham steak can be cut into chunks and added directly to the slow cooker.
Ham Bone
A meaty ham bone provides tremendous flavor as it slowly cooks with the green beans and potatoes.
Diced Ham
Pre-diced cooked ham makes preparation especially quick.
For the richest flavor, choose ham with some fat and connective tissue rather than very lean deli-style ham.
Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Green Beans?
Fresh green beans provide the best texture and a traditional homemade feel.
Frozen green beans are a convenient alternative and require little preparation.
Canned green beans can also be used, but they are already cooked and can become very soft during a long slow-cooking process. If using canned beans, consider adding them later in the cooking process.
Best Potatoes for Slow Cooker Ham and Green Beans
Several varieties work well.
Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy and buttery with a smooth texture.
Red potatoes: Hold their shape nicely and have a slightly waxy texture.
Russet potatoes: Become soft and fluffy and absorb plenty of the savory cooking liquid.
For the best presentation, choose potatoes that can be cut into similar-sized chunks.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham and Green Beans
Do Not Oversalt
Ham is naturally salty, so wait until the dish is finished cooking before adding additional salt.
Cut Potatoes Evenly
Uniform potato pieces will cook at approximately the same rate.
Use a Meaty Ham Bone
If you have a leftover ham bone, this is one of the best ways to add deep flavor to the dish.
Avoid Lifting the Lid Too Often
Every time the slow cooker lid is removed, heat escapes and cooking time can increase.
Taste Before Serving
Because different hams have different levels of saltiness, taste the cooking liquid before adjusting the seasoning.
Can I Use a Ham Bone?
Absolutely.
A meaty ham bone is one of the best options for this recipe. Place it into the slow cooker with the green beans and potatoes and allow it to slowly release its flavor as everything cooks.
Once the meal is finished, remove the bone and pick off any remaining meat before returning the meat to the slow cooker.
Can I Add Onions?
Yes. Sliced or chopped onions make a delicious addition.
Yellow onions, sweet onions, or white onions can all work well. The onions soften during cooking and add another layer of savory flavor.
Can I Add Carrots?
Yes. Carrots are an easy addition if you want more vegetables.
Cut them into similar-sized pieces and add them along with the potatoes and green beans.
Can I Make This Recipe With Turkey Ham?
Yes. Turkey ham can be substituted for traditional ham, although the finished dish may have a milder flavor.
If using turkey ham, you may want to add additional herbs or a little broth to enhance the overall flavor.
What to Serve With Amish Ham and Green Beans
This meal is hearty enough to serve on its own, but several sides pair beautifully with it.
Cornbread
Warm cornbread is excellent for soaking up the savory cooking liquid.
Dinner Rolls
Soft homemade rolls make a simple and comforting addition.
Biscuits
Flaky biscuits pair wonderfully with the tender vegetables and ham.
Applesauce
A spoonful of applesauce adds a sweet contrast to the salty ham.
Simple Salad
A fresh green salad can provide a lighter side for this hearty dish.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool slightly before transferring them to airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
When reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave or gently reheat the meal on the stovetop.
Add a small amount of broth or water if the vegetables appear dry.
Can You Freeze Ham and Green Beans?
Yes, although the texture of the potatoes and green beans may become somewhat softer after freezing and thawing.
Place cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to approximately 2 to 3 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with canned green beans?
Yes. Canned green beans can be used, although they may become softer than fresh or frozen beans. For better texture, add canned beans toward the end of cooking.
Can I use leftover Christmas or Thanksgiving ham?
Absolutely. This is one of the best ways to turn leftover holiday ham into a completely different meal.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No. The peel can be left on, particularly when using red or Yukon Gold potatoes. Simply wash the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them.
Can I cook this on HIGH?
Yes, although LOW cooking is recommended for the most tender texture and developed flavor. If cooking on HIGH, begin checking the vegetables earlier.
Why are my green beans too soft?
Fresh green beans can become very tender during a long slow-cooking period. If you prefer firmer beans, add them later in the cooking process.
Can I make this without a ham bone?
Yes. Diced ham, ham steak, or leftover cooked ham all work well.
Recipe at a Glance
Recipe: Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans
Cuisine: Amish-inspired American comfort food
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on LOW
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Cooking Method: Slow cooker
Main Ingredients: Ham, green beans, potatoes
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans is proof that some of the best meals are also the simplest. Tender potatoes, flavorful green beans, and savory ham slowly cook together to create a hearty dish that tastes like it came straight from a traditional country kitchen.
Whether you are using leftover holiday ham or simply looking for an inexpensive family dinner, this slow cooker recipe is easy, comforting, and satisfying. Serve it with warm biscuits, cornbread, or crusty rolls for a classic meal everyone can enjoy.