Slow Cooker Green Beans with Hickory Smoked Ham
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Hickory Smoked Ham – a cozy, flavorful vegetable side dish made with fresh green beans, smoky ham, and savory spices. The easiest comfort food you'll crave all year long!
Delicious. Effortless. Comforting. These Slow Cooker Green Beans with Hickory Smoked Ham bring together tender-crisp green beans, rich smoky ham, and bold seasoning—all in one pot. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family dinner, a cozy Sunday supper, or a holiday side dish, this easy slow cooker recipe is about to become a new favorite.
Why You'll Love This Dish
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Why? Because it’s:
Simple to prep: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Packed with flavor: Smoky ham, ghee (or butter), and savory spices make these green beans anything but boring.
Versatile: Serve as a holiday side dish, an everyday veggie, or even as a meal with a hunk of cornbread.
Perfect for gatherings: The slow cooker keeps it warm and ready to serve when you are.
Whether you're cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, these green beans deliver.
Ingredients Breakdown: Why Each One Matters
Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and how it builds the flavor:
Green Beans (1½ pounds)
Fresh green beans are the star here. They hold their shape well in the slow cooker and soak up all the delicious flavor. Choose bright green beans with no brown spots for the best results.
Pro Tip: You can use pre-trimmed green beans to save even more time.
Hickory Smoked Ham, Cubed (8 oz)
The real flavor booster! Hickory smoked ham infuses the dish with rich, savory, slightly sweet smokiness. The cubes add texture and protein, making this hearty enough to stand alone.
Optional Swap: Use leftover ham from a holiday roast or even smoked turkey for a twist.
Melted Ghee or Butter (1 to 2 tablespoons)
Ghee offers a deeper, nutty flavor and is lactose-free. Butter is classic and adds creaminess. Either way, it helps coat the beans and carries the seasoning beautifully.
Health Note: Ghee has a higher smoke point and may be easier to digest for those sensitive to dairy.
Garlic Powder (1½ teaspoons)
A pantry staple that adds warmth and depth without overpowering. Garlic powder evenly distributes through the dish and compliments the ham perfectly.
Onion Powder (1½ teaspoons)
Another umami builder, onion powder enhances the savory elements of the green beans without needing to sauté actual onions.
Paprika (1 teaspoon)
Paprika gives a mild heat and slight sweetness. It also adds a beautiful reddish hue, making this dish visually appealing.
Salt (1 teaspoon or more to taste)
Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors. Be mindful of how salty your ham is—adjust accordingly.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
Adds just the right amount of kick and rounds out the spice blend.
Directions: How to Make Slow Cooker Green Beans
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-6 hours on LOW
Serves: 6
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prep Your Ingredients:
Rinse and trim your green beans. Cube the smoked ham if not pre-cut.Add Everything to the Slow Cooker:
Combine green beans, ham, melted ghee (or butter), and all seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper).Toss to Coat:
Use a large spoon or tongs to mix until the green beans are evenly coated with the butter and spices.Cook:
On HIGH: 2 to 3 hours
On LOW: 4 to 6 hours
Cook until the green beans are tender but not mushy, and the ham is heated through.Serve Warm:
Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly cracked pepper or a sprinkle of parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Green Beans
Use Fresh Over Frozen
Frozen green beans can release too much water, leading to a soggy texture. Stick with fresh for that perfect bite.
Stir Once Midway (If You’re Home)
Give everything a quick stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and coating.
Double the Recipe for a Crowd
This recipe is easily scalable! Just make sure not to overfill your slow cooker.
Customize Your Spice
Want a bit more heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. Want it smokier? Use smoked paprika instead of regular.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Green Beans
This dish plays well with just about everything! Try it alongside:
Southern-style meatloaf
Baked mac and cheese
Roast turkey or ham
Cornbread or biscuits
Mashed potatoes or rice
It’s also an easy way to add veggies to your weeknight dinner line-up—without the fuss.
Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Let leftovers cool to room temp, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop it in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen things up.
To Freeze:
While you can freeze this dish, green beans may lose some of their texture. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Who Will Enjoy This Recipe?
Busy parents looking for easy, flavorful veggie sides.
Holiday hosts who need a dependable, hands-off side dish.
Comfort food lovers who want that Southern-style, down-home flavor.
Meal preppers who like hearty, versatile vegetable dishes.
If you love food that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—but only takes 10 minutes of hands-on time—you’ll be making this on repeat.
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Hickory Smoked Ham
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Hickory Smoked Ham – a cozy, flavorful vegetable side dish made with fresh green beans, smoky ham, and savory spices. The easiest comfort food you'll crave all year long!
Ingredients
- Green Beans (1½ pounds)
- Hickory Smoked Ham, Cubed (8 oz)
- Melted Ghee or Butter (1 to 2 tablespoons)
- Garlic Powder (1½ teaspoons)
- Onion Powder (1½ teaspoons)
- Paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon or more to taste)
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
Instructions
- Rinse and trim your green beans. Cube the smoked ham if not pre-cut.
- Combine green beans, ham, melted ghee (or butter), and all seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper).
- Use a large spoon or tongs to mix until the green beans are evenly coated with the butter and spices.
- Cook: On HIGH: 2 to 3 hours or On LOW: 4 to 6 hours
- Cook until the green beans are tender but not mushy, and the ham is heated through.
- Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly cracked pepper or a sprinkle of parsley, if desired.
Ready to Make It?
This dish is rustic, reliable, and ridiculously good. Whether it’s gracing your holiday table or rounding out a weeknight dinner, these Slow Cooker Green Beans are your new go-to.
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Slow Cooker Green Beans with Hickory Smoked Ham – a cozy, flavorful vegetable side dish made with fresh green beans, smoky ham, and savory spices. The easiest comfort food you'll crave all year long!