🥔 Southern Green Beans, Potatoes, and Ham
Bring the comforting flavors of Southern home cooking to your table with these Southern Green Beans, Potatoes, and Ham! Tender green beans, buttery baby potatoes, savory chunks of ham, and sweet onions simmer together in a flavorful chicken broth until everything is perfectly tender and delicious.
This humble, hearty dish is packed with old-fashioned country flavor and makes a wonderful one-pot meal or a comforting side dish for Sunday dinner. It’s simple, budget-friendly, satisfying, and a fantastic way to use leftover cooked ham.
Serve it with warm cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delicious broth. ❤️
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: 50–60 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Course: Main Course, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 pound (450 g) baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional additions for extra flavor:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
Note: Ham and chicken broth can both be salty, so start with less salt and adjust near the end of cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the green beans thoroughly, trim the ends, and cut any particularly long beans in half.
Rinse the baby potatoes and cut them in half. If some potatoes are larger than others, cut them into evenly sized pieces so everything cooks at approximately the same rate.
Dice the onion and cooked ham, keeping the pieces roughly bite-sized.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
For extra flavor, add the minced garlic at this stage, if using, and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add the Ham
Add the diced cooked ham to the pot. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes so the ham warms through and its savory flavor begins to blend with the butter and onions.
If using smoked paprika, add it now and stir to coat the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Add the Green Beans and Potatoes
Add the prepared green beans and halved potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together so the vegetables are lightly coated with the butter, onions, and ham.
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the black pepper and any optional bay leaf.
The broth should come partway up the vegetables. The green beans and potatoes do not need to be completely submerged, as they will soften while simmering.
Step 5: Bring to a Simmer
Increase the heat slightly and bring the broth to a gentle boil.
Once the liquid begins bubbling, reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 25–35 minutes.
Stir occasionally to help the vegetables cook evenly and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Check the Vegetables
After approximately 25 minutes, test the potatoes with a fork. They should be tender enough for the fork to slide through easily without the potatoes falling apart.
The green beans should be tender, with a little bite if you prefer them that way. For softer, traditional Southern-style green beans, continue simmering for another 10–15 minutes.
If the pot becomes too dry before the vegetables are tender, add a little more chicken broth or water.
Step 7: Adjust the Seasoning
Remove the bay leaf, if used.
Taste the broth and add the salt gradually, keeping in mind that the ham may already provide plenty of seasoning. Add more black pepper if desired.
For a richer finish, stir in a small extra pat of butter just before serving.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Ladle the green beans, potatoes, and ham into bowls, spooning a little of the savory broth over each serving.
Serve immediately while hot, alongside cornbread, biscuits, or your favorite Southern-inspired main dish.
Enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like it has been simmering in Grandma’s kitchen all afternoon! 🍲
Tips for the Best Southern Green Beans, Potatoes, and Ham
- Choose evenly sized potatoes. Cutting the potatoes into similar pieces helps them finish cooking at the same time.
- Use cooked ham. This recipe is designed for fully cooked ham, including leftover baked ham or ham steak. If starting with raw pork, the cooking method and timing will need to change.
- Don’t add too much salt too early. Ham and broth can be salty, so taste the finished dish before adding more.
- Keep the simmer gentle. Vigorous boiling can cause the potatoes to break apart before the green beans are tender.
- Choose your preferred texture. Shorter simmering keeps the beans greener and slightly firmer; longer simmering produces a softer, old-fashioned Southern texture.
- Let the flavors settle. Allowing the finished dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving gives the ham, broth, and vegetables a chance to meld.
- Don’t waste the broth. The cooking liquid becomes infused with the flavors of the ham, onions, and vegetables. Spoon it over the potatoes or serve it with bread.
Delicious Variations
🥓 Southern Green Beans with Bacon
Replace some or all of the butter with 2–3 slices of chopped bacon. Cook the bacon first until crisp, sauté the onion in a little of the rendered fat, then proceed with the recipe. Add the cooked bacon near the end for extra texture.
🌶️ Spicy Southern Green Beans
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth for a gentle kick.
🧄 Garlic Butter Green Beans and Potatoes
Add extra minced garlic and finish the dish with a tablespoon of butter. This creates a richer, more aromatic broth.
🥕 Green Beans with Potatoes, Ham, and Carrots
Add 1 cup of sliced carrots with the potatoes. They contribute natural sweetness and give the dish extra color.
🍲 Slow Cooker Version
Place the green beans, potatoes, onion, ham, and chicken broth in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, checking that the potatoes and green beans are tender. Add the butter and adjust the seasoning near the end. Cooking time varies with the slow cooker and the size of the potato pieces.
🥔 Creamier Potatoes
For a slightly thicker broth, gently mash two or three cooked potato pieces against the side of the pot and stir them into the liquid. This adds body without requiring flour or cornstarch.
What to Serve with Southern Green Beans, Potatoes, and Ham
This hearty dish can stand on its own as a simple lunch or dinner, but it also pairs beautifully with classic comfort foods.
Try serving it with:
- Southern cornbread: Perfect for soaking up the savory broth.
- Buttermilk biscuits: Soft, flaky biscuits make a wonderful accompaniment.
- Fried chicken: A comforting pairing for a traditional Southern dinner.
- Roast chicken: Complements the vegetables without overpowering their flavor.
- Macaroni and cheese: Adds a creamy side to a country-style meal.
- Coleslaw: A crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, savory vegetables.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool promptly and transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot, stirring gently. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the liquid has reduced. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring partway through.
Freezing: The dish can be frozen in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Keep in mind that the potatoes may become softer or slightly grainy after thawing.
Make ahead: You can trim the green beans, wash and halve the potatoes, dice the onion, and portion the ham in advance. Store the prepared ingredients separately in the refrigerator and cook when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned green beans?
Yes. Drain the canned green beans before adding them. Since they are already cooked, add them during the last 10–15 minutes of simmering, once the potatoes are nearly tender. This helps prevent the beans from becoming overly soft.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely. Frozen green beans are a convenient substitute. Add them directly from frozen, then simmer until tender, allowing a little extra cooking time if necessary.
What kind of ham works best?
Leftover baked ham, ham steak, or fully cooked smoked ham all work well. Smoked ham gives the broth a particularly savory, traditional flavor.
Can I make this without chicken broth?
Yes. Use water with a little extra seasoning, or substitute vegetable broth. The finished dish will have a milder flavor if you use water, so taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Why are my potatoes falling apart?
They may have been cut too small, cooked at too high a temperature, or simmered for too long. Use evenly sized pieces, maintain a gentle simmer, and test for doneness before the potatoes become overly soft.
How can I make the broth more flavorful?
Sautéing the onion and ham before adding the broth builds flavor. A little garlic, smoked paprika, or a bay leaf can add extra depth. Taste the broth near the end and adjust the seasoning gradually.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
It works beautifully as either one. With generous portions of ham and potatoes, it makes a satisfying one-pot meal. Smaller portions also make an excellent side dish for roasted or grilled meats.
❤️ A Taste of Southern Comfort
Southern Green Beans, Potatoes, and Ham is simple country cooking at its best. Tender vegetables, hearty potatoes, savory ham, and a flavorful broth come together in one pot to create a meal that’s comforting, filling, and easy to share.
Whether you prepare it with leftover holiday ham or make it for a cozy weeknight dinner, this homestyle favorite brings warmth to the table with every spoonful. Serve it hot with a slice of cornbread, gather everyone around, and enjoy a timeless Southern classic!