Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans

A Simple, Hearty Country Comfort Meal

Few meals feel as comforting as a slow cooker dinner simmering away throughout the day. The rich aroma filling your home, the anticipation of a warm meal waiting when you're ready, and the simplicity of tossing everything into one pot make recipes like this a true family favorite.

This Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans recipe is a classic example of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Made with simple ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection, it's a humble yet incredibly satisfying meal that has nourished families for generations.

Tender smoked ham, fresh green beans, and hearty potatoes slowly cook together in a flavorful broth, creating a rustic one-pot dinner that's packed with comforting flavor. Whether you're feeding a busy family or looking for an easy weekend meal, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Requires only a handful of simple ingredients
• Easy slow cooker preparation with minimal effort
• Complete meal made in one pot
• Budget-friendly and family-approved
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Rich, smoky flavor from slow-cooked ham
• Inspired by traditional Amish home cooking

Ingredients

For the Ham and Green Beans

• 1 pound smoked ham hocks, ham shanks, or leftover ham
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 pound small Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved or quartered
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

Ham Options

• Smoked turkey legs or wings
• Meaty ham bone
• Diced leftover holiday ham
• Ham steak cut into chunks

Green Bean Alternatives

• Frozen green beans, thawed
• Canned green beans, drained

Potato Alternatives

• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Turnips
• Parsnips

Broth Substitute

Use 4 cups water mixed with 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon.

How to Make Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and trim the green beans, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Scrub the potatoes and cut them into halves or quarters. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place the ham at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the green beans, potatoes, onion, and garlic.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Add the broth over the ingredients and sprinkle in the black pepper. If using apple cider vinegar, add it now or stir it in near the end of cooking.

Tip: Wait until serving time before adding any extra salt since the ham naturally contributes plenty of seasoning.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook:

• LOW for 6–8 hours
• HIGH for 3–4 hours

The ham should become tender and easy to shred, while the potatoes should be fork-tender.

Step 5: Remove Bones and Shred the Ham

If using ham hocks or a ham bone, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard the bones. Return the meat to the pot.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Sample the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more pepper or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the ham, green beans, potatoes, and broth into bowls and serve hot.

For a traditional country-style meal, pair it with:

• Crusty bread
• Homemade cornbread
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Coleslaw
• Pickled beets

Tips for the Best Results

Choose Smoked Ham

The smoky flavor is what gives this dish its signature taste. Smoked ham hocks or smoked ham shanks work especially well.

Don't Skip the Aromatics

Onion and garlic add depth and richness to the broth. If fresh isn't available, substitute with onion powder and garlic powder.

Add Vinegar for Balance

A small splash of apple cider vinegar helps brighten the broth and balances the savory richness of the ham.

Control the Texture of the Green Beans

For softer, traditional-style green beans, cook them the entire time. If you prefer them slightly firmer, add them during the final two hours of cooking.

Make It Stretch Further

Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or cabbage to create an even heartier meal.

The Tradition Behind Amish Cooking

Amish cooking is rooted in simplicity, practicality, and making the most of readily available ingredients. Meals are often built around fresh garden vegetables, home-preserved foods, and affordable cuts of meat that become tender through slow cooking.

Recipes like Ham and Green Beans showcase the resourcefulness of Amish kitchens, transforming a few humble ingredients into a filling, flavorful meal that can feed an entire family. It's comfort food at its finest—simple, nourishing, and made to bring people together around the table.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Many people find the flavors become even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover holiday ham?

Absolutely. Leftover baked ham works perfectly and is a great way to reduce food waste.

Can I make this recipe without potatoes?

Yes. Simply omit them or replace them with carrots, turnips, or sweet potatoes.

Are canned green beans okay?

Yes, but add them during the final hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes. Simmer everything in a large Dutch oven for approximately 2 to 3 hours until the ham becomes tender.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans recipe proves that some of the best meals come from the simplest ingredients. Smoky ham, tender green beans, hearty potatoes, and flavorful broth combine to create a timeless comfort food that feels like home in every bite.

Whether you're carrying on a family tradition or trying Amish-inspired cooking for the first time, this easy slow cooker meal is sure to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.