Green Beans Potatoes and Ham Stew Recipe
Published September 27, 2019. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
A delicious 5 ingredient stew loaded with green beans, chunks of ham, and tender potatoes that makes for the perfect weekend meal.
The delicious combination of ham and beans has been around for centuries. Whether it’s a dried legume or a fresh green bean, the saltiness from the pork always compliments it to perfection. This incredibly easy-to-make homemade Ham Green Beans and Potatoes Stew is a staple and has been made in my family for over 75 years.
This stew is the very epitome of comfort food. It’s delicious and easy to make, and the memories that have come from making this my entire life are forever engrained in my heart and mind. If you prefer more al dente style beans, then definitely check out my boiled green beans with butter glaze recipe.
How Do You Cut Fresh Green Beans?
The most difficult procedure in this ham green beans and potatoes stew is cutting the fresh green beans, which isn’t hard. It just takes some time. I used 5 pounds of green beans in this recipe, and it took about 12-15 minutes o cut all of them.
There are a few ways you can cut green beans.
- You can hold a bean in one hand and, using a small paring knife in the other, snip the end off the green bean. From there, you can leave it whole or cut it in half.
- Another way is to line up 5-8 green beans next to each other with the stem end facing the same way and then, using a knife cut off the ends. From there, you can also leave the green beans whole or cut them in half.
- Last but not least, you can snap green beans, which is where you simply break off the stem end by using both hands so that it “snaps off.” From there, you can either leave the green beans whole or snap them in half.
All of these cutting techniques will render the same result, so however you do choose to do it, is up to you.
What is Salt Pork?
Salt pork is a salt-cured piece of fatty pork belly. Since the salt pork is never smoked, the saltiness and cure are stronger, making it a fantastic ingredient to season up whatever you are cooking. The longer it is cooked, the more flavor comes out.
What Kind of Ham to Use
This recipe is fantastic right after thanksgiving or Christmas because everyone always has a big old hunk of ham lying around, which would be perfect in this ham, green beans, and potatoes stew recipe.
If you’re making it for a weekend meal, you can buy a chunk of boneless ham cut into roughly 1” cubes.
If you’re buying a bone-in ham, you can add it right to the pot at the very beginning with the green beans, salt pork, and onion and cook it over low heat. The low long cook times will allow the ham to fall right off the bone. Remember to discard the bone!
Remember you want whole ham, DO NOT buy pre spiralized cut ham.
How to Make Green Beans Potatoes and Ham Stew
1. Trim the green bean ends by snipping them, cutting them off, or snapping them off.
2. Place the trimmed green beans in a large pot.
3. Add a whole peeled onion to the pot with the green beans.
4.: Add a chunk of salt pork to the pot.
5. Fill the pot with water until it is about 1 inch over the green beans and cook on low to medium heat for 4 hours. The longer you can cook this, the better, more flavorful and tender everything will be
6. Add the cut potatoes and ham to the pot and cook on low to medium heat for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe up to 1 day ahead of time.
How to Reheat: To reheat the stew, add your desired portion to a small saucepot and heat over low heat until hot. You can also simply add your desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat until hot.
How to Store: The ham, green beans, and potatoes stew will hold well in the refrigerator covered up for up to 5 days. It will also freeze well covered for up to 3 months. Simply pull it out as needed and reheat following the directions above.
CHEF NOTES + TIPS
- You can use any type of green bean in this recipe.
- If you cannot find salt pork, pork belly or bacon is a great alternative.
More Comfort Food Recipes
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Video
Ham Green Beans and Potatoes Stew
Ingredients
- 3-5 pounds of trimmed green beans
- 2 small or 1 large peeled yellow onion
- 1 pound salt pork
- 3 pounds large diced russet potatoes, peelings optional
- 3 pounds ham, cut into 1” cubes
Instructions
- Add the beans, onion, and salt pork to an extra-large pot and fill it with water until the beans are covered by 1 inch.
- Cook over low to medium heat for 4 hours, remember the longer the better, so you can go up to 8 hours here.
- Add in the potatoes and ham after the 4-hour cooking time and continue to cook for 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Love this… More than likely your Kentucky Grandma fixed White Half Runner green beans and I know she must of fixed some cornbread. I grew up in the Coal mining fields of Eastern Ky. This is one of my favorites dishes and when I get homesick it is my comfort food.
Getting ready to make this today and I just noticed that my salt pork is sliced. Is the salt pork meant to be discarded, or eaten with the stew?
I add fresh dill weed, finely chopped.
yum!
Billy, made the green beans today. 3 lb with onion, ham from freezer, and potatoes. It was delicious. I have always thought less water and time made a healthier bean. My husband said best he has ever eaten!! Thank you!
My favorite! Love making and freezing for later!
Love how simple this is and yet so flavorful because of using the good ingredients and preparing them right. Delicious!
I love the big chunks of ham & potatoes!! Simple, easy, & great flavors!
Love this southern stew! So good!
It’s hard to beat a classic like this! Loved your recipe and will be making again!