Incredibly Easy Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes in Just 4 Hours

Oh, do I have a lifesaver for you! After years of wrestling with dinner on busy weeknights (and let’s be honest, even lazy Sundays), my slow cooker ham and potatoes became my go-to. It’s the kind of meal that practically cooks itself while you’re out living your life—no babysitting, no fancy techniques, just cozy, hearty goodness waiting for you when you walk in the door. The magic? Toss in diced ham, potatoes, and a few pantry staples, then let the slow cooker work its low-and-slow alchemy. Trust me, after one bite of those tender potatoes soaked in savory broth, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without this recipe in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Let me count the ways this recipe will steal your heart (and save your sanity):

• Easy prep: Just chop, dump, and walk away—it’s basically foolproof. Even my 10-year-old can assemble this before school!
• Hearty flavor: The ham infuses the potatoes with smoky richness, while thyme and garlic whisper “comfort food” in every bite.
• Minimal cleanup: One pot means more time for Netflix binges. (Don’t pretend you weren’t thinking it.)
• Family-approved: Picky eaters? Gone. Empty bowls? Guaranteed. Leftovers? Even better the next day.

Seriously, this is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug after a long day.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy masterpiece – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably already have:

• 1 lb ham, diced (leftover holiday ham works wonders here!)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly)
• 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white – no need to be fancy)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
• 1 cup chicken broth (see my swaps below if you need alternatives)
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (rub it between your fingers to wake up the flavor)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

No stress if you need to tweak things – that’s the beauty of slow cooking! Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes (just cut them smaller since they cook faster). Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a lighter taste, or low-sodium broth if watching salt. No fresh garlic? Powder works fine. And if you’ve got carrots or celery hanging around, toss ’em in – they’ll add lovely sweetness. The ham’s salty enough that you likely won’t need extra salt, but always taste at the end!

Equipment Needed for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Here’s the beautiful part – you hardly need any tools for this recipe! Just grab:

• Your trusty slow cooker (mine’s a 6-quart, but any size will work – just adjust quantities)
• A decent cutting board and sharp knife (for dicing that ham and cubing potatoes – safety first!)
• Measuring spoons (though let’s be real, I often eyeball the thyme and pepper)

That’s really it! Though I do love using a ladle for serving – those broth-soaked potatoes deserve to be scooped with care. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a wooden spoon for stirring won’t hurt, but even that’s optional. See? I told you this was easy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Ready for the easiest cooking session of your life? Here’s how to turn those simple ingredients into magic:

1. Layer it up: Toss your diced ham, cubed potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic right into the slow cooker. No fancy arranging needed – just dump ’em in!
2. Pour the love: Slowly drizzle that chicken broth over everything. It’ll seep down and keep every bite moist.
3. Season simply: Sprinkle the black pepper and thyme evenly across the top. (I sometimes give it a little shake to distribute the spices.)
4. Set it and forget it: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy – check at the minimum time!
5. Final touch: Give it one good stir before serving to blend all those delicious flavors.

See? I told you this was easy. The hardest part is waiting for that amazing aroma to fill your house!

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

• Midway check-in: If you’re home, give it a gentle stir after 4 hours on low (or 2 hours on high) to prevent sticking.
• Taste before serving: Ham varies in saltiness, so always adjust seasoning at the end. A splash more broth if it seems dry, a pepper grind if it needs pep.
• Veggie hack: For crisp-tender veggies, add delicate things like peas or green beans in the last 30 minutes.

Remember – slow cookers vary, so get to know yours. If your pot runs hot, check earlier to avoid overcooked potatoes!

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Now for the best part – how to serve this cozy masterpiece! My absolute favorite way is with a hunk of crusty bread to sop up that savory broth – bonus points if it’s warm from the oven. For something lighter, a crisp green salad cuts through the richness beautifully. And here’s my secret: leftovers taste even better! Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive it. This one-pot wonder transforms into amazing lunches – I’ve even fried the cold potatoes in a skillet for the most incredible breakfast hash!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This ham and potatoes keeps like a dream! Just pop leftovers in an airtight container – they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunches taste even better than the first serving. For reheating, I prefer the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep things moist – just warm gently over medium-low for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a pinch, the microwave works too (cover with a damp paper towel and nuke in 1-minute bursts). Pro tip: If the potatoes seem dry, drizzle a teaspoon of water or broth before reheating. And yes, you can freeze it! Just know the potatoes may get softer when thawed.

Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things readers ask me about this recipe:

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just toss them in frozen – no need to thaw. They’ll release extra liquid, so you might want to reduce the broth by 1/4 cup. Cooking time stays the same – they’ll soften perfectly in the slow cooker.

How do I thicken the broth if it’s too watery?
Easy fix! Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Or, remove the lid and let it cook on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce naturally.

Can I make this without ham for a vegetarian version?
Sure thing! Swap the ham for mushrooms or white beans, use vegetable broth, and add a dash of smoked paprika for that savory depth. The potatoes will still shine as the star.

My slow cooker runs hot – how do I adjust?
If yours tends to overcook things, try checking 1-2 hours earlier than the minimum time. You can also add an extra 1/2 cup broth to create more steam, which helps prevent drying out.

Can I prepare this overnight?
I don’t recommend it – potatoes can discolor and get mushy. But you can chop everything the night before! Just store ingredients separately in the fridge, then assemble and cook in the morning.

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up – nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients, but here’s the general breakdown per serving: 350 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated), 20g protein, and 40g carbs with 5g fiber. The ham brings the sodium up to about 800mg, so if you’re watching salt, opt for low-sodium broth. Not too shabby for such a satisfying meal!

Alright, friend – there you have it! My tried-and-true slow cooker ham and potatoes recipe that’s saved my dinner game more times than I can count. Now it’s your turn to give it a whirl! Toss those ingredients in your crockpot, let the magic happen, and prepare to fall in love with how effortlessly delicious weeknight dinners can be. And hey – when you do make it (because let’s be real, you totally should), I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Tag me on social or leave a comment with your twists – did you add extra veggies? Try it with sweet potatoes? However you make it your own, I’m cheering you on from my kitchen to yours. Happy slow cooking!

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