Ham and string beans in a crock pot? It's a match made in comfort food heaven! This simple recipe delivers tender, flavorful ham and perfectly cooked string beans with minimal effort. Forget hours spent in the kitchen; let your slow cooker do the work while you relax. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.
What are the best cuts of ham for crock pot cooking?
Choosing the right cut of ham is crucial for achieving optimal results in your crock pot. While you can use various types, some work better than others. For the most tender and flavorful outcome, consider these options:
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Bone-in Ham: A bone-in ham, particularly a spiral-sliced ham, will yield incredibly juicy and flavorful results. The bone helps to distribute heat evenly, ensuring that the ham doesn't dry out.
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Ham Shank: This cut is often overlooked but makes an excellent choice for crock pot cooking. It's naturally more moist and flavorful than other cuts.
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City Ham (or Butt Ham): This is another great option. It's typically less expensive than other cuts and still delivers delicious results.
Avoid using pre-cooked, fully-cooked hams unless you want to simply reheat and warm them up. Those are already cooked through and will be less likely to absorb flavors from the cooking process.
How long should I cook ham and string beans in a crock pot?
Cooking time depends on the size and type of your ham and the desired level of tenderness. As a general guideline:
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For a 3-4 pound bone-in ham: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This will ensure the ham is thoroughly heated and the string beans are perfectly tender.
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For a larger ham: You may need to increase the cooking time accordingly. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 145°F (63°C).
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For already cooked ham: This simply needs to be warmed through in the crock pot with your string beans for around 1.5-2 hours on low.
Remember to always adjust cooking times based on your specific crock pot and the size of your ingredients.
What are the best string beans to use?
Fresh or frozen string beans are both suitable for this recipe. However, if using frozen beans, there’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the crock pot.
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Fresh string beans: Trim the ends of the beans before adding them to the crock pot. Consider snapping them into shorter lengths if you prefer.
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Frozen string beans: Simply add them straight from the freezer to the crock pot. They'll thaw and cook perfectly with the ham.
What are some variations to this recipe?
This basic recipe offers endless possibilities for customization! Here are a few ideas:
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Add potatoes: Dice up some potatoes and add them to the crock pot along with the ham and string beans for a complete one-pot meal.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
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Add other vegetables: Carrots, onions, and celery are all delicious additions. Experiment with your favorite vegetables!
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Use different seasonings: Besides salt and pepper, experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or even a touch of brown sugar.
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Make it a glaze: Toward the end of the cooking time, brush the ham with your favorite glaze for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and place them in the crock pot for cooking in the morning. It will be ready to serve when you get home from work. Remember to store leftovers properly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe healthy?
This recipe can be a part of a healthy diet. Ham provides protein, while string beans offer fiber and vitamins. However, the overall healthiness depends on the type of ham used and the added ingredients. Use low-sodium ham and limit added sugars or high-fat components to maximize the health benefits.
By following this simple recipe and adapting it to your preferences, you'll create a delicious and satisfying crock pot ham and string beans meal that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy!
