Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes is the definition of comfort food made effortless. This one-pot wonder combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, buttery broth that slowly cooks to perfection. It’s the kind of set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and your belly with warmth. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb ham, cubed

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 onion, sliced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp butter

Directions

1. Layer ingredients: Add cubed ham, diced potatoes, and sliced onion to your slow cooker in loose layers.

2. Add broth and seasoning: Pour chicken broth over the mixture, then sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.

3. Top with butter: Place the butter on top.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Serve: Stir gently before serving to mix flavors.

Nutrients

(Per 1 cup serving – approximate values)

• Calories: 320

• Fat: 12g (4g saturated, 6g unsaturated)

• Cholesterol: 50mg

• Sodium: 900mg

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 2g

• Protein: 20g

Why This Recipe Works So Well

At its core, Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes is about simplicity and satisfaction. It transforms humble, inexpensive ingredients into a rich and nourishing dish through the magic of low and slow cooking. The gentle heat of the slow cooker allows the potatoes to absorb the savory broth, the ham to tenderize even further, and the flavors to meld together into something deeply comforting.

This is a true “set-it-and-forget-it” meal. Just layer, season, turn it on, and come back to a home that smells amazing and a meal that’s ready to serve. No need to stir or babysit—it’s a hands-off approach that’s ideal for busy lifestyles.

The Role of Ham: Salty, Savory Depth

Ham is the star ingredient here, providing a flavorful and meaty base for the dish. Cubed ham offers a great balance of salty richness and hearty texture. As it cooks, the ham infuses the broth and potatoes with its natural smoky-sweet profile, adding depth to every bite.

You can use leftover baked ham, store-bought cubed ham, or even ham steak diced into chunks. It’s a wonderful way to make use of holiday leftovers or stretch a small portion of meat into a full, satisfying meal.

Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Carb

Potatoes are the foundation of this dish, offering creamy, hearty texture that soaks up all the surrounding flavors. When slow-cooked, they become tender and buttery without falling apart. Each bite is infused with savory ham juices and aromatic broth, making every forkful a delight.

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for their fluffiness and ability to absorb liquid, but Yukon Golds also work well for a slightly creamier consistency. Dicing them evenly ensures they cook uniformly and helps create that spoonable, stew-like texture that defines this dish.

The Broth: Rich, Buttery, and Full of Flavor

A simple combination of chicken broth, butter, and seasoning creates the flavorful liquid that brings everything together. The broth acts as both a cooking medium and a flavor enhancer, gradually reducing and thickening as it simmers.

Garlic powder and black pepper provide subtle but essential seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering them. A tablespoon of butter added on top before cooking melts down and mingles with the broth, lending a velvety richness to the finished dish.

You can adjust the seasoning to your liking—add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an herbal twist, or a splash of cream at the end for a luxurious, chowder-like finish.

Effortless Prep, Powerful Payoff

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. There’s no need to precook anything. You simply peel and dice the potatoes, slice the onion, cube the ham, and add everything into the slow cooker in layers. Pour in the broth, sprinkle the seasoning, top with butter, and you’re done.

In the time it takes to clean your cutting board, the slow cooker has already begun transforming your ingredients into a cozy, one-pot meal. You don’t even need to stir during cooking—just give it a gentle mix before serving to combine all those amazing flavors.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes isn’t just a great dinner option—it’s also perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for several days and reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making the leftovers just as crave-worthy as the original meal.

You can double the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough, and portion it out for ready-to-go lunches throughout the week. It also freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight for a quick and hearty meal any time.

Customizations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a perfect base for customization. Here are a few popular ways to adapt it:

• Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or a cheese blend during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy version.

• Include vegetables: Add chopped carrots, peas, green beans, or corn to boost the veggie content and add color.

• Make it creamy: Add a splash of milk, cream, or even sour cream at the end for a smoother, richer broth.

• Swap proteins: Try diced turkey, sausage, or bacon if you don’t have ham on hand.

With such flexibility, this dish can be reinvented countless ways to suit your taste and the ingredients in your kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but a few thoughtful sides can complete the meal. Serve it with:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the buttery broth.

• A light green salad with vinaigrette for contrast and freshness.

• Steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added color and nutrients.

It’s also a comforting companion to a cozy night in—just add a warm blanket and a favorite show for the perfect evening.

Tips for Success

• Don’t over-stir during cooking. Let the ingredients gently meld on their own. Stir only once at the end.

• Use evenly sized potato cubes for even cooking and the best texture.

• Choose low-sodium broth if you want more control over the saltiness, especially since ham is naturally salty.

With these simple guidelines, you’ll get perfect results every time.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes is the ultimate blend of ease, comfort, and flavor. It’s a meal that feels indulgent without the effort, thanks to the magic of slow cooking and a handful of classic ingredients. Whether you’re navigating a busy weekday, feeding a hungry family, or just craving something hearty and homey, this recipe is a reliable go-to that never disappoints.

From its savory aroma to its rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, this dish proves that simple food can be the most satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a slow cooker staple—and why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.