Indulge in the savory comfort of Low-Carb Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham, a versatile dish that masterfully blends wholesome ingredients with incredible flavor. Whether you’re seeking a hearty side to complement a main course or a satisfying, light lunch on its own, this recipe delivers both convenience and deliciousness. Designed for ease and mindful eating, it’s a perfect addition to any low-carb or keto lifestyle, bringing a touch of home-cooked warmth to your table without the fuss.
Effortless Slow Cooker Green Beans for a Low-Carb Lifestyle
Are you frequently on the lookout for new, inspiring lunch ideas that fit your low-carb goals? Or perhaps you’ve got a generous amount of leftover ham from a holiday meal and are searching for creative ways to use it, steering clear of the usual egg casseroles or ham soups? We understand the culinary dilemma, and that’s precisely why this Low-Carb Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham recipe was crafted.
This dish offers the best of both worlds: it’s substantial enough to serve as a standalone meal for a satisfying lunch, yet refined and flavorful enough to earn a coveted spot on your dinner table as a cherished side dish. With just five grams of net carbs per serving, it’s a fantastically keto-friendly option, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal while staying on track with your dietary preferences. As always, remember to be mindful of other foods you pair with it to maintain your daily carbohydrate limits.
One of the greatest appeals of this recipe is its undeniable simplicity. Truly, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it affair. The preparation involves little more than gathering your ingredients, adding them to your slow cooker, and allowing the magic of slow cooking to transform them into a delicious, ready-to-eat meal later in the day. This hands-off approach makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you prefer to minimize time spent in the kitchen.
The Perfect Harmony of Green Beans and Ham
While some might note that green beans have a slightly higher net carb count compared to certain other leafy green vegetables, they remain a valuable and delicious component of a balanced low-carb diet. When paired with the rich, smoky flavors of ham and the savory depth of bacon grease, the green beans in this recipe truly shine, absorbing a multitude of enticing flavors that make every bite a delight.
This recipe, in its original form, is wonderfully mild, making it broadly appealing. However, its versatility allows for endless customization to suit your palate. If you crave a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an invigorating kick. For an aromatic twist, a sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf can deepen the herbaceous notes. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can also brighten the flavors and add a pleasant tang.
We specifically recommend cooking the green beans with bacon grease – a simple step that infuses the entire dish with an unparalleled savory richness. But why stop there? For an truly extraordinary experience, crown your finished dish with a sprinkle of crispy, crumbled bacon. This addition elevates the texture and flavor profile from merely delicious to an absolute culinary masterpiece, making it irresistible to even the pickiest eaters.
Mastering Slow Cooker Ham Dishes
This particular low-carb green beans and ham recipe calls for approximately one cup of cubed ham, which is a modest amount, perfect for utilizing those smaller portions of leftovers. However, the beauty of slow cooking lies in its forgiving nature and adaptability. Feel free to adjust the quantity of ham to your liking – doubling the amount will only enhance the hearty, flavorful essence of the dish without compromising its deliciousness or ease of preparation. Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham, pre-packaged cubed ham, or even a smoked ham hock for a richer, more profound flavor, the slow cooker will meld the ingredients beautifully.
Another invaluable tip for any slow cooker enthusiast, especially for recipes like this one, is to use a slow cooker liner. While cooking this dish, some of the green beans or the flavorful broth might occasionally adhere to the pot, making cleanup a chore. A simple slow cooker liner completely eliminates this hassle, ensuring that your post-meal cleanup is as effortless as the cooking itself. It’s a small addition that makes a huge difference, saving you precious time and effort. Beyond convenience, slow cooking inherently tenderizes the ham and allows the flavors of the garlic, onion, and chicken broth to slowly meld, creating a deeply satisfying and cohesive dish.
Inspired Pairings: What to Serve with Ham
Whether you’re preparing a grand keto baked ham for a special occasion or serving this comforting green bean and ham recipe, finding the right accompaniments is key to a perfectly balanced meal. Ham, with its naturally sweet and often smoky profile, pairs exquisitely with savory sides that provide a delightful contrast.
Consider serving this dish alongside a rich keto cauliflower fried rice. Its umami-packed flavors and satisfying texture create a wonderful counterpoint to the ham’s sweetness, resulting in a harmonious flavor experience. If you prefer a lighter, fresher complement, a vibrant salad is an excellent choice. Opt for a crisp low-carb chicken broccoli salad for added protein and crunch, or recreate the classic taste of a copycat Olive Garden Salad, complete with a zesty, creamy dressing. Other fantastic low-carb sides include roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy cauliflower mash, garlicky sautéed spinach, or asparagus drizzled with a rich hollandaise sauce. Each of these options brings a unique texture and flavor dimension that beautifully complements the star of the show.
Smart Storage and Reheating Tips for Meal Prep
Embrace the convenience of meal prepping by making a larger batch of these low-carb slow cooker green beans and ham. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but the flavors of this dish often deepen and become even more delightful upon reheating, making it a perfect candidate for your weekly meal rotation.
To store your leftovers efficiently, transfer the cooled green beans and ham into an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and the dish will remain fresh and delicious for up to three days. For optimal taste and texture, we recommend enjoying your leftovers as soon as possible. When it’s time to reheat, you have several options: a quick warm-up in the microwave, a gentle simmer on the stovetop, or even a few minutes in a preheated oven until thoroughly heated through. This makes it an ideal grab-and-go meal for busy workdays or quick evening dinners, always delivering comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Low-Carb Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham Recipe
This section provides a clear, step-by-step guide to preparing this mouthwatering low-carb dish, ensuring your success in the kitchen. The measurements and detailed instructions are outlined below.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Servings: 10
Net Carbs: Approximately 5 net carbs per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Fresh Green Beans, trimmed and broken into pieces
- 8 ounces Cubed Ham
- 1 tbsp Bacon Grease
- 1/2 Onion, chopped
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Directions
- Pour the bacon grease into the slow cooker.
- Add in the green beans, ham, chopped onions, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and stir all the ingredients gently to combine them well.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- Place the lid securely on the slow cooker, and cook on the high setting for 4 hours, or until the green beans are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Recipe Notes
Estimated Calories: 258 kcal per serving
Estimated Net Carbs: 5 net carbs per serving
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an approximate calculation and should be used as a courtesy. The accuracy of nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Explore More Keto Slow Cooker Recipes
The slow cooker is an indispensable tool in any low-carb kitchen, simplifying meal preparation and allowing for incredibly flavorful, hands-off cooking. If you’ve enjoyed the ease and deliciousness of this low-carb slow cooker green beans and ham recipe, you’ll be thrilled to discover a world of other keto-friendly possibilities that your slow cooker can unlock. These recipes are perfect for busy schedules, ensuring you can enjoy wholesome, compliant meals with minimal effort.
- Slow Cooker Low-Carb Snack Mix with Parmesan and Nuts – A savory, crunchy treat perfect for guilt-free snacking.
- Keto Mississippi Pot Roast – Slow Cooker Recipe – A tender, zesty pot roast that’s bursting with flavor.
- Keto Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder With Brown Sugar Rub – Succulent pork with a hint of sweetness, perfect for shredding.
- Keto Crockpot Chicken Chili – A hearty and comforting chili, ideal for cooler evenings.
- Low-Carb Creamy Tomato Bacon Soup – A rich and velvety soup that delivers ultimate comfort.
These recipes highlight the versatility of the slow cooker, proving that healthy, low-carb eating can be both easy and incredibly satisfying. Dive into the world of hands-off cooking and discover how simple it is to create delicious, keto-compliant meals that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.