Potatoes, Green Beans, and Ham Recipe

This comforting Potatoes, Green Beans, and Ham dish is the ultimate in simple, hearty meals that bring a satisfying taste to the table with minimal effort. Combining tender potatoes, savory ham, and fresh green beans, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or any time you want a homey meal full of flavor. The rich, hearty flavors meld together in a delicious way, and it’s an easy recipe to prepare that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized chunks
2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into smaller pieces (fresh or frozen)
2 cups ham, diced (you can use leftover ham or ham steak)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creamier texture)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Ham and Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced ham to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown slightly. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Green Beans

Next, add the diced potatoes and green beans to the pot. Stir everything together to combine. Sprinkle in paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt, and mix to evenly coat the vegetables and ham with the seasonings.

Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, ensuring that the ingredients are mostly submerged in liquid. Bring everything to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked to your liking.

Step 4: Add Cream (Optional)

If you prefer a creamier version of this dish, add heavy cream or milk to the pot and stir it in. This will create a creamy broth that brings richness and a velvety texture to the dish. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded together, remove the pot from the heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and stir until melted for added richness. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve this hearty dish in bowls and enjoy the comforting flavors of potatoes, green beans, and ham.

Cook Notes & Tips

Potato Options: You can use Yukon gold potatoes, Russet potatoes, or even red potatoes in this recipe. If you prefer a creamier texture, Russet potatoes are ideal as they break down more easily. For a firmer texture, use Yukon gold or red potatoes.
Green Bean Variations: You can use fresh green beans, frozen green beans, or even canned green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of beans you use. Fresh green beans should cook for around 10-12 minutes, while frozen beans may take a little longer.
Ham Substitutes: If you don’t have leftover ham, you can use ham steaks, diced ham cubes, or even bacon for a smoky flavor. You can also opt for a sausage like kielbasa for a different taste.
Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. You can toss in some carrots, corn, or peas to bulk up the dish and add more flavor and texture. Chopped celery or bell peppers are also excellent additions.

Keto Version

To make this dish keto-friendly, simply skip the potatoes and replace them with cauliflower florets or turnips. Both cauliflower and turnips are lower in carbs and will absorb the delicious flavors from the broth. You can also increase the amount of green beans and ham for a more filling meal while keeping it within the keto guidelines.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version of this meal, you can follow the same modifications as the keto version, using cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles as a base instead of potatoes. You can also reduce the amount of broth or make it less creamy if you want to cut down on calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?

Yes! This is a great recipe for using up leftover ham. Just dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot along with the potatoes and green beans. It’s a perfect way to repurpose leftover holiday ham.

2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make this recipe in a slow cooker, add all the ingredients (except for the butter and cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the cream and butter in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the broth has thickened, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the potatoes and green beans may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend freezing just the ham and vegetables and adding fresh potatoes when you reheat. You can freeze for up to 3 months.