Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes: Effortless 6 Hour Comfort Feast

Oh, let me tell you about my favorite lazy-day miracle meal – slow cooker ham and potatoes! This dish has saved me on more busy weeknights than I can count. Just toss everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ve got a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The ham becomes unbelievably tender, the potatoes soak up all those savory juices, and the whole house smells amazing. Honestly, I’ve made this so often I could probably do it in my sleep now. It’s that simple, that reliable, and that darn delicious every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new best friend. Here’s why:

• Set it and forget it: Dump everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and dinner practically makes itself while you go about your day. No babysitting required!
• Comfort in every bite: Tender ham, buttery potatoes, and sweet carrots melt together in a savory broth that’ll warm you right up.
• Kid-approved magic: Even picky eaters gobble this up—it’s simple, familiar flavors done perfectly.
• Leftover hero: Tastes even better the next day, and reheats like a dream for easy lunches.

Seriously, what’s not to love?

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy meal – simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor:

• 2 lbs ham, cubed (use pre-cooked ham – I like the leftover holiday ham from my freezer!)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
• 1 onion, roughly chopped (yellow or white works best here)
• 2 carrots, sliced into coins (no need to peel if they’re clean)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium if you’re watching salt)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if you’ve got it)

That’s it! Just 8 simple ingredients for a meal that tastes like you fussed all day.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Okay, let’s get cooking! This is so easy you’ll laugh – but the results will have everyone thinking you’re a kitchen genius. Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Prep your ingredients: Cube that ham (about 1-inch pieces work great), peel and dice the potatoes (I like them in hearty chunks), slice the carrots, and chop the onion. No need to be perfect here – rustic is good!
2. Layer it all in: Dump everything into your slow cooker – ham first, then potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Don’t stress about the order too much, but I find this helps the potatoes cook evenly.
3. Season it up: Sprinkle the pepper and thyme right over the top – the broth will carry those flavors through everything as it cooks.
4. Add the broth: Pour that golden chicken broth over everything. Don’t stir! The liquid will work its way down naturally.
5. Cook it low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (my preference for extra tenderness) or HIGH for 3-4 hours if you’re in a rush. No peeking – just let the magic happen!
6. Give it a gentle stir: When the timer goes off, carefully mix everything together. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the ham will be fall-apart delicious.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

• Use pre-cooked ham – raw ham won’t get tender enough in the slow cooker time.
• Cut veggies evenly so they cook at the same rate (nobody wants mushy carrots with hard potatoes!).
• Taste before serving and add more pepper or thyme if needed – ham saltiness varies.
• Leave it alone! Resist stirring until it’s done to keep those perfect potato chunks intact.

Variations for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried over the years:

• Sweet potato swap: Replace half the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the salty ham.
• Veggie boost: Toss in a rib of chopped celery with the carrots, or stir in a handful of frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Turkey ham alternative: Use leftover turkey ham or even diced turkey breast for a lighter version – just add an extra splash of broth.
• Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream during the last hour if you’re feeling indulgent (SO good!).

The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

This dish is practically a whole meal by itself, but I love rounding it out with a few simple sides. A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for sopping up all those delicious juices. In spring, I’ll toss together a crisp green salad – the fresh crunch balances the heartiness beautifully. When it’s chilly out, nothing beats a side of steamed green beans or broccoli to make it extra cozy. Honestly though? Sometimes I just grab a big spoon and dig right in – it’s that good on its own!

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Here’s the beautiful thing about this dish – it gets even better as leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water before microwaving (or warm gently on the stove) to bring back that perfect saucy consistency. The potatoes soak up flavor like little sponges, so day-two portions might just be my favorite!

Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes Nutritional Info

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (based on my standard recipe): about 320 calories per serving, with 20g protein, 30g carbs, and 12g fat. Remember, nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. I always say – when food tastes this good and makes your house smell this amazing, the numbers hardly matter!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw ham in this slow cooker recipe?
Oh honey, skip the raw ham! This recipe works best with pre-cooked ham – it’s already tender and packed with flavor. Raw ham needs way more cooking time than your slow cooker can handle here. Trust me, I learned this the hard way with one tough, chewy experiment!

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Your delicious ham and potatoes will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight – the potatoes soak up even more of that savory goodness. Just add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back the perfect texture.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers (I use those handy 2-cup ones) and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove with a little extra broth to loosen it up. Perfect for those “too tired to cook” nights!

What size slow cooker works best?
My trusty 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe, but a 4-quart will work too – just don’t fill it more than ¾ full. If you’ve got an 8-quart monster (lucky you!), you might want to double the recipe so everything gets nice and cozy in there while cooking.

Share Your Feedback

Did you make this slow cooker magic? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social – your kitchen stories make my day.

Print