Alright, let’s talk about cookin’ up some ham and green beans in that there crock pot. I ain’t no fancy chef, mind you, just a plain ol’ cook who likes good eatin’. And let me tell ya, this ham and green beans in crock pot is somethin’ special.
First off, you gotta get yourself a nice piece of ham. Don’t matter too much what kind, just somethin’ that looks good and meaty. Now, some folks like to get all fancy with their ham, but I say, the simpler the better. You can use a ham hock too, if that’s what you got. Just chunk it up a bit, you know, so it cooks even.
Next up, the green beans. I like to use fresh ones, the kind you snap yourself. But if you ain’t got time for all that, the frozen ones work just fine too. Just make sure you rinse ’em off good before you throw ’em in the pot. Snap ’em into halves or thirds, makes it easier to eat, see?
Now, for the flavorin’. This is where it gets good. I always start with a big ol’ onion. Chop it up, not too fine, not too chunky. And garlic, gotta have garlic. Mince it up good, or use that jarred stuff, ain’t no shame in it. Throw ’em both in the pot with the ham and beans.
- Ham: Pick a good one, not too skinny, not too fatty. Chunk it up if you’re usin’ a hock.
- Green Beans: Fresh is best, but frozen will do in a pinch. Rinse ’em good and snap ’em up.
- Onion: One big fella, chopped up.
- Garlic: A few cloves, minced up fine. Or use the jar stuff, I won’t tell nobody.
Then comes the secret ingredient…bacon! Yep, bacon. A handful of slices, chopped up and fried till crispy. Don’t throw out that bacon grease neither! Pour it right in the pot, it’ll make everything taste better. Trust me on this.
Now, some folks like to add all sorts of fancy things to their ham and green beans. But I say, keep it simple. A little salt and pepper, that’s all you need. Maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. You can use a little bit of chicken broth too, just a splash, to keep things moist.
Once you got everything in the pot, it’s time to let the crock pot do its magic. Turn it on low, and let it cook for five or six hours. That low and slow cookin’ is the key to tender ham and beans. It gives the flavors time to meld together, and the ham gets all juicy and fall-apart tender. You don’t want that ham to dry out, so that liquid, be it broth or just a little water is important.
And that’s all there is to it. Easy crock pot ham and beans, just like my mama used to make. It ain’t fancy, but it’s good, honest food. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a holiday gathering. And the best part is, it’s mostly hands-off. Just throw everything in the pot and let it cook. Leaves you plenty of time to do other things, like watch your stories or sit on the porch and watch the world go by.
Now, some folks might ask, “Do you gotta put liquid in with the ham?” Well, I say, yes, you do. You don’t want your ham dryin’ out, do ya? A little bit of water, or some chicken broth, that’ll do the trick. Keeps everything nice and juicy. And that bacon grease, don’t forget the bacon grease, it adds flavor and keeps things from stickin’.
And there you have it. Crock pot green beans and ham, a simple meal that’ll fill your belly and warm your soul. It’s the kind of food that sticks to your ribs, you know? The kind that makes you feel good all over. So go on, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget, this slow cooker ham and beans recipe is super simple, perfect for busy folks who still want a good home-cooked meal.
This here ham hock and green beans crock pot recipe is as easy as pie. It’s real food for real people and it’s perfect for any night of the week.