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Add the prepared potatoes, **green beans**, and **ham** into the slow cooker. Then, sprinkle the **diced onion** and **minced garlic** over the top. Season with **dried thyme**, **paprika**, **salt**, and **pepper** to taste. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors.
#### **Step 3: Add the Broth and Butter**
Pour the **chicken broth** over the mixture. The broth will help cook everything down, infusing the vegetables and ham with a rich, savory flavor. If you want to add an extra layer of richness, toss in the **butter**. The butter will melt during cooking and make the dish even more flavorful.
#### **Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker**
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on **low for 6-8 hours** or **high for 4-5 hours**. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes and green beans to become tender. Check the potatoes with a fork or knife to make sure they’re cooked through.
#### **Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasonings**
Once the dish is finished cooking, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or thyme depending on your personal preferences.
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### **Serving Suggestions**
This **Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes** is a one-pot meal that’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish on its own. However, you can pair it with a side or two for a complete meal:
– **Cornbread**: A warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect side to serve with this dish. Its slightly sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with the savory ingredients in the slow cooker.
– **Dinner Rolls**: Soft, fluffy rolls are a great addition for soaking up the flavorful broth in this dish.
– **Side Salad**: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the potatoes and ham.
– **Rice or Quinoa**: Serve the dish over a bed of rice or quinoa for an extra hearty meal.
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### **Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes**
1. **Use Leftover Ham**: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday dinner or another meal. You can even freeze extra ham to use in this dish later.
2. **Customize the Veggies**: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish. Carrots, celery, or even some bell peppers would make great additions. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
3. **Adjust the Broth**: Depending on how much liquid you prefer, you can add a little more broth or water. If you like a thicker consistency, you can reduce the amount of liquid or let it cook longer to allow some of it to evaporate.
4. **Make It Spicy**: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker for an added kick.
5. **Add Fresh Herbs**: For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary right before serving to give the dish a fresh, vibrant flavor.
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### **Conclusion**
**Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham, and Potatoes** is the epitome of comfort food. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that delivers a deliciously hearty and flavorful dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is one that the whole family will enjoy, and it’s a great way to make use of leftover ham. The combination of tender green beans, savory ham, and hearty potatoes cooked in a flavorful broth is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
So, the next time you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, this slow cooker recipe will become your go-to. Enjoy it with loved ones, and savor every bite!