Nothing beats walking into a house smelling like slow cooker ham and potatoes after a long day – it’s like a cozy hug in dinner form! I’ve been obsessed with my slow cooker for years (honestly, it’s my kitchen MVP), and this recipe is one of those no-fuss, dump-and-go miracles. Just toss in chunks of ham, potatoes, and a few pantry staples, then let the magic happen while you go about your day. Six hours later? Tender potatoes soaked in smoky ham flavor, zero stress. This is the kind of hearty, simple meal I make when I want comfort without the work – perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Oh, where do I even start? This recipe is like my secret weapon for those days when I want something delicious but don’t want to babysit the stove. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Minimal prep: Just chop, dump, and walk away – no fancy techniques or constant stirring needed.
Hearty flavor: The ham infuses the potatoes with that rich, smoky goodness as they cook low and slow.
Budget-friendly: It’s perfect for using up leftover holiday ham or that discounted ham steak from the store.
Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long!). The flavors meld together beautifully.

Trust me, after one bite of those tender potatoes soaked in ham juices, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Grab these simple ingredients – half are probably already in your kitchen! The magic is in the prep, so don’t skip those little details:

1 lb cooked ham, cubed (I like chunks about 1-inch big – small enough to get in every bite but big enough to stay juicy)
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Russets hold up best, but yellows work too – just keep them evenly sized!)
1 onion, chopped (My grandma always said “the uglier the chop, the better the flavor” – no perfection needed here)
1 cup chicken broth (Low-sodium if you’re watching salt – the ham brings plenty of flavor already)
1/2 tsp black pepper + 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp dried thyme (This trio is my holy grail for savory depth)

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that transform into something special.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

This is where the magic happens – and by magic, I mean “throw it all in the pot and forget about it” kind of magic. Here’s exactly how I layer everything for foolproof results every time:

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

First, toss those diced potatoes into your slow cooker – spread them out evenly so they cook uniformly. Next, scatter the ham cubes and chopped onion on top. I like to pretend I’m making a little potato-ham mosaic (okay, maybe that’s just me being weird). The key is making sure nothing clumps together – you want every bite to have a bit of everything!

Step 2: Season and Add Liquid

Now, sprinkle all those beautiful seasonings right over the top – the pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. If you’re feeling fancy, swap the thyme for rosemary or a pinch of sage. Then, pour the chicken broth over everything. Here’s my secret: don’t stir yet! Let the broth trickle down naturally – this keeps the layers intact for more even cooking. The liquid should just barely peek through the ingredients.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours (for melt-in-your-mouth tender) or high for 3 hours (if you’re impatient like me sometimes). Low heat gives the potatoes this incredible velvety texture, while high heat keeps them slightly firmer. No peeking or stirring! Just walk away and let the slow cooker do its thing. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and have soaked up all that hammy goodness.

When you lift that lid after cooking? Oh my goodness – the aroma alone is worth it! Give it one gentle stir to mix the flavors, then dig in. Those potatoes will be infused with smoky ham flavor and so tender they practically dissolve on your tongue. Pure comfort in a bowl!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tricks for perfect results every time:

Leftover ham is gold: That Easter or Christmas ham? Cube and freeze it just for this recipe – the flavor is deeper than store-bought ham steaks.
Check early: At the 5-hour mark, poke a potato with a fork. If it meets slight resistance, it’s done – residual heat will finish it perfectly without turning mushy.
Size matters: Cut potatoes in 1-inch chunks – too small and they’ll disintegrate, too big and they won’t soak up that glorious ham flavor.

Follow these, and you’ll never end up with bland, watery potatoes again!

Variations for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever I’ve got in the fridge! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried:

Cheesy delight: Stir in a handful of cheddar during the last 30 minutes – it’ll melt into gooey perfection.
Garden fresh: Toss in a cup of green beans or peas for color and crunch.
Sweet swap: Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a slightly caramelized, sweeter flavor.
Creamy version: Replace half the broth with evaporated milk for extra richness.

Honestly, I’ve never met a variation of this dish I didn’t love – play around and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

This hearty dish is practically a meal on its own, but I love rounding it out with some simple sides! A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. For something lighter, try steamed green beans or a crisp apple-cabbage slaw – the fresh crunch balances the richness beautifully. And don’t forget a pat of butter melting over those potatoes…pure heaven!

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

This dish somehow gets even better as leftovers – the flavors really cozy up to each other overnight! Store cooled portions in the fridge for up to 3 days in airtight containers, or freeze for a month (though I doubt it’ll last that long). Reheating is a breeze: just warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen things up, or zap individual servings in the microwave until steaming hot. Pro tip: the potatoes soak up liquid when chilled, so add a tablespoon of water or broth when reheating to bring back that perfect saucy consistency!

Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes Nutrition

Just a heads up – all nutritional info is approximate since ingredients vary (like how salty your ham is or how big you chop those potatoes). But rest assured, it’s hearty comfort food at its finest!

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I’ve gotten the same great questions about this recipe – here are the answers straight from my slow-cooker-loving heart:

“Can I use raw ham instead of cooked?” Oh honey, no! Raw ham needs much longer cooking (we’re talking hours more) and would throw off the whole timing. That’s why I always specify cooked ham – whether it’s leftovers or store-bought pre-cooked cubes. The texture and food safety just work better this way.

“Can I toss in carrots or other veggies?” Absolutely! Carrots are a fantastic addition – just slice them into coins and add with the potatoes. I’ve also thrown in celery, parsnips, or even a handful of frozen peas at the end. More veggies = more goodness!

“How can I thicken the broth if it’s too thin?” My go-to trick: mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it in during the last 30 minutes on high. It’ll turn that liquid into a glossy, spoon-coating sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. Just don’t add flour directly – it’ll clump!

Rate This Recipe

Tried this cozy slow cooker magic? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you – drop your thoughts in the comments below!