Easy & Delicious Keto Honey Glazed Ham and Green Beans Skillet: Your Perfect One-Pan Meal
Searching for a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and perfectly aligned with your keto lifestyle? Look no further than this fantastic Keto Honey Glazed Ham and Green Beans Skillet. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful family meal. It’s wonderfully versatile, allowing you to easily adjust the portions to feed just yourself or a larger gathering. With its simple preparation and impressive taste, this dish is destined to become a staple in your low-carb kitchen.
Is Honey Glazed Ham Truly Keto-Friendly? Navigating Sweetness on a Low-Carb Diet
The term “honey glazed ham” often brings to mind a sticky, sweet, and traditionally carb-heavy dish. So, it’s a completely valid question to ask: “Is honey glazed ham keto-friendly?” The straightforward answer is yes, but with a crucial caveat: you must use a sugar-free honey alternative. A traditional honey glaze, made with regular honey, is packed with natural sugars and will quickly knock you out of ketosis, making it unsuitable for a ketogenic diet.
This is why we strongly advise against consuming conventional honey-glazed ham while following a keto regimen. The good news is that achieving that signature sweet and savory flavor is entirely possible with the right substitutions! Many excellent sugar-free honey options are available on the market today, designed to mimic the taste and texture of real honey without the high carb count. These innovative products allow you to enjoy the classic appeal of honey-glazed ham without compromising your dietary goals.
In fact, we have a fantastic recipe for Keto Baked Ham with Honey Mustard Glaze that truly captures the essence of the traditional dish. This recipe features an incredible mustard glaze, taking approximately an hour to prepare, and the results are truly worth it. The best part? Each serving contains a remarkably low 4 grams of net carbs, tasting so authentic that you’d be hard-pressed to tell it’s keto-friendly!
The Irresistible Duo: Ham and Green Beans in a Single Skillet
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its “one-skillet wonder” design. Cooking the entire meal in a single pan dramatically cuts down on cleanup time, freeing you from the hassle of washing multiple pots and dishes. This convenience makes it an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the extensive post-dinner chore list. Beyond the ease of preparation, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse for your keto diet, with each serving containing only 4 grams of net carbs. This allows you the flexibility to pair it with additional keto-friendly side dishes without worrying about exceeding your daily carb limit.
While this recipe keeps the base flavors wonderfully simple and clean, focusing on the natural deliciousness of ham and green beans, it also invites culinary creativity. The core seasonings include sugar-free sweeteners for that “honey” effect, minced garlic for aromatic depth, and essential salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. However, this is merely a starting point! Feel empowered to experiment with your favorite spices and herbs to tailor the dish precisely to your palate. Imagine the zing a sprinkle of smoked paprika could add, or the warmth of a touch of dried thyme and rosemary. The possibilities for customization are endless.
For those who love a bit of heat, consider elevating the green beans with a spicy kick. A generous dusting of Cajun or Creole seasoning will infuse them with bold, complex flavors. Alternatively, a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a delightful warmth that perfectly complements the savory ham and crisp-tender beans. Don’t be shy; let your taste buds guide you to your ideal flavor profile!
Why Keto Ham and Green Beans is a Staple in Your Low-Carb Kitchen
The pairing of ham and green beans is a timeless classic, beloved for its comforting flavors and nutritional value. On a keto diet, this combination truly shines, offering a delicious source of protein and essential nutrients without the unwanted carbs. This isn’t the first time we’ve celebrated this dynamic duo; we’ve also featured them in our Low-Carb Slow Cooker Green Beans and Ham recipe, demonstrating their versatility across different cooking methods.
This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping and maximizing leftovers. If you have extra ham from this skillet, or even from a larger holiday ham, its potential for transformation is vast. Repurpose leftover ham into a savory omelette for breakfast, incorporate it into keto chaffles for a unique sandwich, or create a flavorful keto ham salad for quick lunches. Ham’s robust flavor stands up well to various preparations, making it an economical and delicious ingredient to always have on hand.
And let’s not forget the green beans! They are equally versatile. Leftover green beans can be added to a keto-friendly stir-fry for a quick and healthy meal, tossed into an egg scramble, or simply reheated as a side dish for another meal later in the week. For this recipe, we recommend using fresh, raw green beans. Their natural sweetness and crisp texture are unparalleled, offering the best flavor experience. However, if fresh green beans aren’t readily available or if you’re short on time, frozen green beans will certainly work in a pinch. Just be aware that their texture might be slightly softer than fresh ones, but they will still absorb all the delicious flavors of the glaze.
What To Pair with Your Keto Honey Glazed Ham and Green Beans Skillet
While this ham and green beans skillet is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, it also serves as an excellent main course that can be complemented by a variety of keto-friendly side dishes. Enhancing your meal with additional vegetables or hearty sides can create a more diverse and filling dining experience. If you’re looking to boost your vegetable intake or add a creamy element, we highly recommend whipping up some creamy mashed cauliflower. It’s a fantastic low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, offering a similar texture and comforting feel.
For a more exotic and flavorful accompaniment, our keto cauliflower fried rice makes an excellent choice. It’s packed with savory flavors and adds another layer of texture to your plate. If you prefer a lighter, refreshing option, a low-carb chicken broccoli salad provides a wonderful contrast with its crispness and vibrant taste. Other excellent keto side dish ideas include roasted asparagus with lemon, sautéed spinach with garlic, or a simple garden salad with a creamy avocado dressing.
And no meal is truly complete without a delightful dessert! For a sweet, low-carb finish to your meal, our favorite low-carb pumpkin pecan custard is an absolutely perfect choice. Its rich, comforting flavors provide a wonderful balance to the savory main course, ensuring your keto dining experience is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
Smart Storage Solutions: How to Preserve Your Cooked Ham and Green Beans
Preparing this delicious Keto Honey Glazed Ham and Green Beans Skillet is just the first step; knowing how to properly store any leftovers ensures you can enjoy them throughout the week, minimizing food waste and maximizing your meal prep efforts. Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and food safety.
Once your ham and green beans have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. This helps to prevent bacterial growth and keeps the food fresh. Stored correctly in the refrigerator, your leftovers will remain delicious for up to three days. This makes them perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners when you’re short on time. Simply reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
For longer-term storage, this recipe is also freezer-friendly! Place the cooled ham and green beans into a freezer-safe food storage bag or an airtight freezer container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from bags to prevent freezer burn. You can keep them in the freezer for up to six months, providing a convenient solution for future meals. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot. Freezing might alter the texture of the green beans slightly, making them a bit softer, but the flavors will remain excellent.
Keto Honey Glazed Ham and Green Beans Skillet Recipe Card
Below you will find the complete list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, accompanied by helpful pictures, for creating this exquisite keto honey glazed ham and green beans recipe. Exact measurements for all ingredients are provided in the printable recipe card, located just a little further down. Get ready to cook a meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: 4 net carbs per serving
Ingredients for a Flavorful Keto Skillet Meal
- Butter
- Ham Steaks
- Raw Green Beans
- Minced Garlic
- Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute
- Sugar-Free Honey
Step-by-Step Directions to Your Delicious Skillet
- Melt the butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the ham steaks to the pan. Sear the ham on both sides until it is beautifully browned and heated through, developing a delightful crust.
- Once perfectly seared, carefully remove the ham steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the fresh green beans to the same skillet, stirring them to coat in any remaining butter and ham drippings. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and allow the beans to simmer gently until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
- Uncover the skillet. Stir in the brown sugar substitute, sugar-free honey, and minced garlic with the green beans. Sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and the garlic to become fragrant.
- Return the seared ham steaks to the skillet. Gently toss the ham with the green beans, ensuring that the ham is thoroughly coated in the delectable sugar-free honey glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly balanced keto meal!
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Keto Honey Glazed Ham and Green Beans Skillet
This is the perfect meal for yourself or your family. It’s incredibly easy to make and adjust to your needs, delivering a satisfying and tasty keto experience with minimal effort.
Dinner, Main Course
Ham and Green Beans, Keto Ham, Skillet Meal
Ingredients
-
3
tbsp
Butter -
4
small
Ham Steaks
(or two larger ones cut in half) -
3
cups
Fresh Raw Green Beans
(trimmed) -
2
tsp
Minced Garlic -
1
tbsp
Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute -
2
tbsp
Sugar-Free Honey
Instructions
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear the ham on both sides until heated through with a good sear. Remove and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium low, and stir in the green beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer until the beans are done to your liking.
Stir in the brown sugar substitute, sugar free honey and garlic. Saute uncovered for 2 minutes.
Add the ham back to the skillet, and toss to coat in the honey glaze before serving.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 375 kcal | Net Carbs: 4 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is an approximate estimate only. We cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site due to variations in ingredients and preparation methods.
More Delicious Keto Ham Recipes to Explore
If you absolutely loved this Keto Honey Glazed Ham and Green Beans Skillet, then you’re in for a treat! Ham is an incredibly versatile ingredient for anyone following a low-carb and keto-friendly diet, offering a wealth of culinary possibilities. It’s not just for holiday feasts; ham can be the star of quick lunches, hearty dinners, and innovative snacks. We’ve curated a selection of other fantastic ham-centric recipes that are all designed to be low-carb and perfectly align with your keto goals. These dishes prove that eating healthy can be incredibly diverse and delicious, making the most of this savory protein.
- Keto Creamy Ham and Cheese Roll Ups: A delightful snack or light meal, these roll-ups are bursting with creamy, savory flavor.
- Keto Ham and Cheese Jalapeno Cream Cheese Roll Ups: For those who enjoy a little kick, this version adds a spicy twist to the classic.
- Low-Carb Ham and Cabbage Salad: A refreshing and crunchy salad that makes a perfect light lunch or side dish.
- Cheesy Low-Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole With Ham: A comforting and hearty casserole that’s a crowd-pleaser and excellent for meal prep.
- Creamy Keto Ham Bone and Veggie Soup: Utilize every bit of your ham by making a rich and flavorful soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
We hope you enjoy exploring these diverse and delicious keto ham recipes. Happy cooking!