Get ready for the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself. This Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes recipe is the definition of a “set it and forget it” meal, delivering a hearty, cheesy, and incredibly delicious dish with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover ham and turn simple ingredients into a meal the whole family will request again and again. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; your crockpot does all the work, simmering everything to tender perfection.
Whether you need a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for a chilly day, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. The potatoes become perfectly tender, swimming in a creamy, savory sauce with salty bites of ham. Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: Just layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, turn it on, and walk away. It’s the perfect recipe for busy days.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of savory ham, tender potatoes, and a cheesy, creamy sauce is pure comfort in a bowl.
- Uses Leftovers: It’s one of the best ways to transform leftover holiday ham into an exciting new meal, reducing food waste.
- Family-Friendly: This is a hearty, satisfying dish that even the pickiest eaters will love.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this delicious crockpot ham and potatoes.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are the star here. They hold their shape well and become wonderfully creamy.
- Ham: Use fully cooked, diced ham. This is a perfect opportunity to use leftover ham steak or holiday ham.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundation of flavor.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor and melt.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is our shortcut to a rich, creamy, and savory sauce.
- Chicken Broth: To create the perfect sauce consistency and add more flavor.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is all you need.
How to Make Ham and Potatoes in the Slow Cooker Step-by-Step
Making this dish is as easy as 1-2-3. Just a few minutes of prep is all it takes.
- Layer the Potatoes: Grease your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray. Arrange half of your sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom. Top with half of the diced ham and half of the diced onion.
- Create the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, minced garlic, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour half of the creamy sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers one more time: the remaining potatoes, ham, onion, sauce, and finally, the rest of the cheese.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Ham and Potatoes
Follow these simple tips to ensure your dish comes out perfectly every single time.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
The type of potato you use is crucial for the final texture. Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are the best choice. They contain less starch and hold their shape beautifully during the long, slow cooking process, preventing the dish from becoming mushy. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets for this recipe.
How to Get a Thicker Sauce
If you prefer an even thicker, richer sauce, you can easily achieve it with a cornstarch slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, replace the lid, and cook on HIGH until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
What Kind of Ham to Use?
This recipe is incredibly flexible. The best ham to use is a pre-cooked, diced ham steak or leftover spiral-cut ham. It adds a delicious, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes. If you’re looking for other ways to use up leftovers, you might love this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole (coming soon).
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily customize it to your taste.
Cheesy Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes
For an extra cheesy version, feel free to add more cheese! A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack works wonderfully. You can also stir in a half cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the cheddar for a nuttier, saltier flavor profile.
Creamy Ham and Potatoes
To make the sauce even more rich and decadent, substitute half of the chicken broth with heavy cream or half-and-half. This will create an irresistibly luscious sauce. If you enjoy creamy soups, our Creamy Potato Carrot Soup is another must-try.
What to Serve With Your Ham and Potatoes
This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side. A fresh green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli adds a nice touch of color and freshness. For another amazing potato dish, don’t miss these classic Scalloped Potatoes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger amount in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, this recipe is also delicious with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Colby and Jack cheese. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses.
To thicken the sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Raw potatoes typically take 4-5 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW to become tender in a slow cooker. The exact time can vary depending on the size of your potato chunks and your specific slow cooker model.
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are best for slow cooking. They hold their shape much better than starchy potatoes like Russets, which can break down and become mushy over a long cooking time.
More Cozy Slow Cooker Recipes
If you loved this simple crockpot meal, you’ll adore our Crockpot Steak and Potatoes (coming soon) or this flavorful Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. They are perfect for easy weeknight dinners!
The Best Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes
Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes: The Easiest, Coziest Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with half of the diced ham and half of the diced onion.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, minced garlic, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
- Pour half of the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ham, onion, and sauce. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
To thicken the sauce, mix 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 3 tbsp of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Share Your Creation!
We are sure this Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes recipe will become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect, no-fuss meal for any occasion. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
