Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans
Few meals capture comfort quite like something simmering away in a slow cooker. The rich aroma fills the house throughout the day, and by dinnertime, a hearty meal is waiting with minimal effort. Tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth come together in a dish that feels both nostalgic and satisfying.
This Slow Cooker Amish Ham and Green Beans recipe is a perfect example of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch home cooking—simple ingredients transformed into a warm, filling family meal.
I remember this being a staple at family gatherings. A ham hock, fresh green beans, and potatoes would go into the slow cooker early in the morning, and hours later we’d gather around bowls of smoky, flavorful goodness. The potatoes absorbed the broth, the beans became perfectly tender, and the ham practically melted apart. Served with fresh bread, it was the definition of comfort food.
Affordable, easy to prepare, and packed with old-fashioned flavor, this recipe remains a timeless favorite.
🥘 Slow Cooker Amish Ham & Green Beans
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ham hocks, ham shanks, or leftover ham | 1 lb (450g) | Smoked ham preferred |
| Green beans | 1 lb | Trimmed and cut (fresh or thawed frozen) |
| Small potatoes | 1 lb | Halved or quartered |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 4 cups | Low-sodium recommended |
| Onion | 1 medium | Chopped (optional) |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced (optional) |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp | Optional for brightness |
Substitutions & Variations
- Replace ham hocks with a meaty ham bone, diced ham steak, or smoked turkey wings.
- Frozen or canned green beans can be used if fresh aren’t available.
- Substitute potatoes with carrots or sweet potatoes, or omit them entirely.
- Use water and 2 teaspoons of bouillon if broth is unavailable.
- Additional vegetables such as celery, carrots, or turnips work well in this dish.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Scrub and cut the potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic if using.
Step 2: Assemble the slow cooker
Place the ham in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the green beans, potatoes, onion, and garlic on top.
Step 3: Add the broth
Pour the broth over the ingredients. Add black pepper and apple cider vinegar if desired. Stir lightly to combine.
Tip: Hold off on adding salt until the end since the ham contributes plenty of seasoning.
Step 4: Slow cook
Cover and cook until everything is tender:
- LOW: 6–8 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The ham should be very tender, and the potatoes should easily pierce with a fork.
Step 5: Shred the ham
If using ham hocks or a bone-in cut, remove it from the slow cooker. Once cool enough to handle, separate the meat from the bones and return the meat to the pot.
Step 6: Adjust seasoning
Taste the broth and add salt if necessary. Additional pepper or a splash of vinegar can help balance the flavors.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon into bowls and serve hot. Crusty bread or cornbread makes an excellent accompaniment. Traditional pairings include coleslaw or pickled vegetables.
✨ Hearty, wholesome, and full of homestyle flavor, this slow cooker favorite shows how a handful of everyday ingredients can create a truly memorable meal.
