Smoked Ham Green Beans

Introduction

Smoked Ham Green Beans is a simple and comforting meal that brings together tender green beans and flavorful smoked ham in one delicious dish. This classic recipe has been enjoyed by families for generations because it is easy to make, budget friendly, and full of rich homemade flavor. The smoky taste of the ham blends perfectly with the fresh green beans, creating a side dish that is hearty enough to enjoy as a light meal.

One of the best things about this recipe is how little effort it takes to prepare. With only a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it has been cooking all day. As the green beans slowly simmer with the smoked ham, they absorb all of the delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings. The result is a tender, savory dish that pairs well with almost any main course.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, Sunday lunches, or meal preparation for the week. It is easy to customize by adding potatoes, onions, or extra herbs. Whether you are serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or fresh cornbread, Smoked Ham Green Beans is always a satisfying addition to the table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare

Rich smoky flavor

Made with simple ingredients

Family friendly

Budget friendly

Comforting and filling

Perfect for holidays

Great for meal preparation

Easy to customize

One pot recipe

Delicious leftovers

Beginner friendly

Cooking Time and Serving

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

1 hour

Total time

1 hour 15 minutes

Servings

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans trimmed

1 pound smoked ham cut into bite sized pieces

1 medium onion chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

2 tablespoons butter

4 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon salt

One half teaspoon black pepper

One teaspoon garlic powder

One half teaspoon onion powder

One half teaspoon paprika

One tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Optional Ingredients

2 medium potatoes peeled and diced

One half teaspoon crushed red pepper for extra heat

One teaspoon dried thyme

Kitchen Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven

Wooden spoon

Knife

Cutting board

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Ladle

How to Make Smoked Ham Green Beans

Step 1

Wash and trim the green beans.

Step 2

Cut the smoked ham into bite sized pieces.

Step 3

Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion.

Step 5

Cook for about five minutes until soft.

Step 6

Add the garlic.

Step 7

Cook for one minute while stirring.

Step 8

Add the smoked ham.

Step 9

Cook for about five minutes.

Step 10

Add the green beans.

Step 11

Pour in the chicken broth.

Step 12

Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step 13

If using potatoes, add them now.

Step 14

Stir everything together.

Step 15

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 16

Reduce the heat to low.

Step 17

Cover the pot.

Step 18

Simmer for about forty five minutes until the green beans are tender.

Step 19

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 20

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 21

Serve hot.

Notes

Fresh green beans provide the best texture.

Smoked ham adds plenty of flavor.

Do not overcook the beans if you prefer a firmer texture.

Taste before adding extra salt because smoked ham can already be salty.

Store leftovers in an airtight container.

The flavor becomes even better the next day.

Helpful Tips

Use homemade chicken broth if possible.

Cut the vegetables into similar sizes.

Cook slowly for the richest flavor.

Fresh parsley adds freshness.

Serve with warm cornbread.

Double the recipe for larger gatherings.

Recipe Variations

Add carrots.

Add potatoes.

Add bacon.

Add smoked sausage.

Use turkey ham.

Add mushrooms.

Add celery.

Mix in fresh spinach before serving.

Best Foods to Serve with Smoked Ham Green Beans

Cornbread.

Mashed potatoes.

Rice.

Roasted chicken.

Grilled steak.

Fresh salad.

Dinner rolls.

Macaroni and cheese.

Baked potatoes.

Storage Instructions

Allow the dish to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container.

Keep refrigerated for up to four days.

Freeze for up to three months.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans

Yes. Frozen green beans work well in this recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time

Yes. The flavors become even better after one day.

Can I freeze leftovers

Yes. Cool completely before freezing.

Can I add potatoes

Yes. Potatoes make the dish even more filling.

Can I use smoked turkey instead of ham

Yes. Smoked turkey is an excellent substitute.

Why should I taste before adding more salt

Smoked ham often contains plenty of salt.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker

Yes. Cook on low until the beans become tender.

Can I add extra vegetables

Yes. Carrots, celery, and mushrooms are all delicious additions.

Nutrition

Nutrition for the Whole Recipe

Nutrition Per Serving

Health Benefits

Green beans provide fiber and vitamins.

Smoked ham is a good source of protein.

Homemade meals let you control the ingredients.

Fresh herbs add natural flavor.

This recipe can be paired with whole grains or fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Smoked Ham Green Beans is a comforting homemade recipe that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal. The tender green beans soak up the smoky flavor of the ham while the seasonings create a rich and savory broth. Every bite is warm, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.

This recipe is also very flexible. You can add potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables to make it even more filling. It stores well in the refrigerator and freezer, making it an excellent choice for meal preparation and busy schedules.

Whether you serve it as a hearty side dish or enjoy it as a light main course with warm cornbread, Smoked Ham Green Beans is a timeless recipe that is easy to prepare and full of homemade goodness. It is a meal that your family will look forward to enjoying again and again.

Disclaimer

Enjoy Smoked Ham Green Beans as part of a balanced diet and eat in moderation. Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used. This recipe contains ingredients that may be high in sodium. Always check ingredient labels carefully and consider food allergies or dietary restrictions before preparing or serving this dish.