Ham and string beans—a classic comfort food combination made effortlessly delicious in your slow cooker! This recipe delivers tender, juicy ham and perfectly cooked string beans with a savory, slightly sweet flavor profile that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering. Forget hours spent in the kitchen; let your crock pot do the work while you relax.
What Makes this Crock Pot Ham and String Bean Recipe Special?
This isn't your grandma's ham and beans (although she might love it!). We've elevated this classic dish with a few simple techniques to maximize flavor and texture. We're focusing on creating a deeply flavorful broth, ensuring perfectly tender string beans, and achieving a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth ham experience. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a truly unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb bone-in ham steak (or leftover ham, cut into chunks)
- 1 lb fresh string beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a more nuanced sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Trim the string beans and chop the onion and garlic. If using a bone-in ham steak, score the fat on top to help it render during cooking.
- Layer in the Crock Pot: Place the ham steak (or chunks) at the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the chopped onion and garlic. Add the trimmed string beans.
- Create the Flavor Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, brown sugar (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the flavorful broth mixture over the ham and string beans in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the ham is tender and the string beans are cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ham steak and the power of your slow cooker.
- Serve: Remove the ham from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the string beans and sauce. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions about cooking ham and string beans in a crock pot.
Can I use canned string beans?
Yes, you can use canned string beans, but fresh string beans will offer a superior flavor and texture. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the crock pot. Reduce the cooking time, as canned beans are already cooked. Start by checking them after 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high.
What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
A bone-in ham steak is ideal because it provides a rich flavor and helps create a more flavorful broth. However, leftover cooked ham, cut into chunks, works perfectly as well.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Consider adding carrots, potatoes, or even a touch of bacon for extra flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Root vegetables will need more time to cook thoroughly.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the recipe the night before and cook it on low the following day. The flavors will have even more time to meld together! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the string beans: Overcooked string beans become mushy. Check them frequently during the last hour of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Adjust the amount of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings to your liking.
- Serve with crusty bread: The flavorful broth is delicious to soak up with crusty bread or biscuits.
This crock pot ham and string beans recipe is a simple, delicious, and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish. Enjoy!
