A Slow Cooker Canned Green Beans With Ham

There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about a pot of Canned Green Beans With Ham slowly simmering in the crockpot. It’s a dish steeped in Southern tradition—simple, hearty, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The combination of tender green beans, smoky ham, and slow-cooked seasoning is as close to comfort food perfection as you can get.

This is not just any green bean side dish—it’s a Southern green beans recipe crockpot-style that transforms humble canned green beans into a rich and savory accompaniment to any main course. It requires minimal prep, uses affordable pantry ingredients, and simmers in the slow cooker to let all those delicious flavors marry together.

Whether you’re making this for a holiday table, weeknight dinner, or Sunday supper, this is one of those green bean crockpot recipes that keeps people coming back for seconds.

Who Will Love This Canned Green Beans With Ham?

This recipe is perfect for:

• Busy home cooks who want an easy but satisfying side
• Southern food lovers looking for a traditional recipe
• Anyone who enjoys classic comfort food
• People who love set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meals
• Families feeding a crowd during the holidays or special gatherings

If you’ve ever wondered how to make crockpot green beans canned style that taste like they came from grandma’s kitchen—this is it.

What Makes This Southern Green Beans Recipe Crockpot-Perfect?

The beauty of canned green beans with ham lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the beans to soak up the smoky, savory flavor of the ham.

This dish is especially popular in the South, where “low and slow” cooking is a time-honored tradition. The texture of canned green beans becomes perfectly tender—not mushy—when cooked just right. And the ham adds richness that infuses every bite.

For another crockpot Southern side, check out our Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans—another comfort food favorite!

Ingredients for Canned Green Beans With Ham

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious crockpot canned green beans recipe:

• 4 (15-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
• 1½ cups cooked ham, diced (or ham hock)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter

Optional: Add 1–2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of tang.

This list may be short, but the flavor is big. The ham adds depth, and the broth keeps everything moist and flavorful during the long cook time.

Need a main dish to pair with it? Try our Classic Pot Roast Crockpot—a classic match!

Essential Kitchen Tools for Canned Green Beans With Ham

You won’t need much to pull off this slow cooker masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4- to 6-quart slow cooker
• Cutting board and knife (for chopping ham)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Slotted spoon (for serving)
• Storage containers (for leftovers)

If you want to double the recipe for a crowd, make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the volume.

How to Make Canned Green Beans With Ham in a Slow Cooker

Making this easy crockpot green beans dish is as simple as it gets:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Drain the canned green beans and chop the ham if not pre-diced.
2. Layer the slow cooker: Add the green beans and ham to the crockpot.
3. Add seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and butter.
4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours.
5. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve warm with a slotted spoon and a drizzle of the seasoned broth.

This method is ideal for meal preppers, potlucks, or stress-free holiday cooking.

Looking for a slow cooker appetizer to serve beforehand? Try these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers—easy and irresistible.

Tips for the Best Canned Green Beans With Ham

To ensure your green beans turn out flavorful and tender—not soggy—keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overcook: Canned beans are already soft. Stick to the recommended time.
• Use a good-quality ham: A smoked ham or ham hock will infuse more flavor.
• Let the broth reduce slightly: If you prefer a thicker sauce, crack the lid for the last 30 minutes.
• Add a splash of vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can brighten the dish.
• Use low-sodium broth if you’re sensitive to salt; adjust later.

Want a lighter pairing? Serve these green beans with a refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Salad.

Flavor Add-Ons and Southern Swaps for Extra Richness

This crockpot canned green beans recipe is delicious as-is, but here are some fun add-ins and Southern swaps:

• Ham hock or smoked turkey leg instead of diced ham
• Sautéed onions or shallots for extra flavor
• Red pepper flakes for a mild kick
• Dash of hot sauce or vinegar for acidity
• Add small diced potatoes to make it heartier

For a slightly sweet twist, try pairing it with our Pumpkin Crisp—great for fall dinners.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Green Beans

This dish is the perfect side for just about anything, but it really shines next to:

• Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake
• Baked or fried chicken
• Pork tenderloin (or skip pork and try turkey chops)
• Meatloaf or burgers
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Add cornbread or warm rolls, and you’ve got a full Southern meal!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Canned Green Beans With Ham Leftovers

Leftovers? You’re in luck! This crockpot green beans canned recipe stores and reheats beautifully.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute bursts
• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months (texture may soften slightly when reheated)

These beans also make a delicious base for a veggie bowl or soup.

Canned Green Beans Crockpot Recipes: Variations to Try

Looking for more ways to use canned green beans in your slow cooker? Try these easy ideas:

• Green Beans and Potatoes: Add diced baby potatoes and a bit more broth.
• Sweet and savory version: Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
• Green Beans with Onion Soup Mix: A pack of dry onion soup mix adds a lot of flavor.
• Crockpot Green Bean Casserole: Mix in cream of mushroom and top with crispy onions.

Need an easy dessert? Don’t miss our Orange Dark Chocolate Cookies—sweet, rich, and balanced.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crockpot Canned Green Beans

Even a simple dish can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Over-seasoning: The ham and broth are already salty—taste before adding extra.
• Using raw bacon: It won’t fully cook in the crockpot and may result in greasy beans.
• Adding ingredients too early: Save vinegar or spice for the last hour to avoid dulling the flavor.
• Skipping the butter: A little fat makes the broth silky and rich.

Want to keep things healthy? Use low-sodium green beans and broth.

FAQs About Canned Green Beans With Ham

Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, just add an extra 30 minutes to the cook time to account for frozen beans.

Do I have to use ham?
No—you can use smoked turkey, cooked bacon, or even leave the meat out entirely for a vegetarian option.

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. Make a day ahead and reheat in the crockpot on “Warm” for about 30–45 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is big enough.

Are these beans gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free chicken broth and seasonings.

Conclusion + Call to Action: Share the Green Bean Love

This Canned Green Beans With Ham recipe is proof that simple, humble ingredients can create truly memorable dishes. Rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to please a crowd, it’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Whether you’re preparing for Sunday dinner or a holiday feast, these crockpot green beans canned are the perfect Southern side. If you love this recipe, please share it, leave a comment, and subscribe to our blog for more down-home, comforting slow cooker recipes!

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