Ham Green Beans and Potatoes

Try making these Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes for the best side dish to pair with any meal. Filling, comforting, and the perfect Southern-style green beans everyone will love.

Try pairing this recipe with some Southern Cornbread, trust me you won't regret it! If you're craving more green bean deliciousness, then be sure to try making Garlic Green Beans or a full meal in minutes with some Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans.

Need a tasty side dish?

Then let me tell you that I've got you covered with this recipe for green beans and potatoes with ham. All three of these ingredients are great on their own, but once you combine them, they're incredible!

I'm talking about a Southern classic that's cozy and nothing like your traditional green bean recipe. This recipe is also extremely simple because everything is cooked in one big ole pot, and it doesn't require you to babysit the pot during the cooking process. Winning!!!

Trust me when I tell you that you want to save this recipe to try it soon.

Let's get started.

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Olive Oil - The first ingredient needed to saute the onion and garlic. This will also serve as the base for the recipe. You may substitute vegetable or canola oil instead if you prefer.
2. Ham - Adds intense flavor and saltiness to the green beans. Try to use smoked ham for a more rich flavor and to keep them as a more authentic recipe for southern green beans. Diced ham or a leftover ham bone could be used instead.
3. Onion - With so many flavors already in this side dish, try using a white onion that is mild in flavor and has a more mellow sweet flavor. If you prefer to use yellow onion or have that on hand, then you can use that instead.
4. Garlic - Pairs well with the onion and adds a bit of garlicky flavor to the green beans.
5. Seasoned Salt - A seasoning blend that makes seasoning these green beans, ham, and potatoes a simple process with just one seasoning.
6. Crushed Red Pepper - Adds spice, brightness, and warmth/heat, may omit if you prefer but the small amount does not make the beans overly spicy.
7. Chicken Broth - Adds more flavor and will help to break down the green beans and potatoes while simmering. You may use chicken stock, vegetable stock, or vegetable broth if you would like.
8. Fresh Green Beans - Use fresh green beans that can be found in the produce section of the grocery store. Try to select green beans that are firm and without discoloration or wilting. Make sure they are cleaned (washed), with the ends trimmed, and cut or snapped in half before using.
9. Potatoes - Select red potatoes from the produce section. They have a subtly sweet flavor, are easy to find year-round, and are waxy which allows them to absorb seasoning very well. Yukon gold and Russet potatoes could be used as a substitute.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How to Make Green Beans with Ham and Potatoes

Begin the recipe using a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and once hot, carefully swirl it around the pot to make sure the bottom is evenly coated. Add the ham and allow it to cook, stirring often.

Toss in the chopped large onion and stir with the meat until the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic cloves and stir in the seasoning salt and crushed red pepper.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth or stock. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the fresh green beans and red potatoes. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the beans to boil for about an hour, until the potatoes are fork tender.

Carefully remove the lid from the pot and add more chicken broth/stock if needed. Taste the green beans and if any additional salt, ground black pepper, or hot sauce is needed then you may add it to your preference. Serve warm and enjoy!

Storage Tips

Storage. Store any completely cooled leftover green beans, ham, and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating. Before serving, reheat on the stove top in a saucepan over medium-high heat until warm, stirring often. They may also be reheated in the microwave in a microwave-safe container.

Freezing. Can you freeze ham, green beans, and potatoes? The answer is yes you can! Simply add the room temperature green beans to a freezer-safe storage container or freezer bag. Store them in the freezer for up to 30 days. When ready to serve, heat on the stove in a saucepan over medium heat until heated thoroughly.

Want More Easy Side Dish Recipes? Try These:

• Sweet and Sour Cabbage
• Easy Green Bean Casserole
• Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
• Easy Candied Yams
• Fried Okra
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• Easy Roasted Potatoes
• Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to pair this Green Beans with Potatoes and Ham Recipe with a meal? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

Original post date 09/29/2022. Updated 11/22/2024.