Is there anything better than coming home to the smell of dinner already ready? I swear by my slow cooker for those crazy days when I just don’t have time to cook but still want something hearty and delicious. This slow cooker ham and potatoes recipe is my go-to—it’s the definition of comfort food with minimal effort. Just toss everything in, walk away, and let the magic happen. The ham gets so tender it practically melts, and the potatoes soak up all that savory goodness. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if the rest of the day was pure chaos.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. Here’s why it’s always in my rotation:

Set it and forget it – Just 15 minutes of prep and your slow cooker does the rest while you tackle your day
Comfort food magic – The ham infuses the potatoes with smoky, savory flavor as they cook low and slow
Cleanup is a breeze – One pan for sautéing and the slow cooker means fewer dishes to wash
Endlessly adaptable – Use up leftovers or toss in whatever veggies you have on hand

Honestly, it’s the closest thing I’ve found to a “cheat code” for delicious home cooking.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need for this super simple but oh-so-flavorful dish. I always keep these basics stocked because they come together so perfectly in the slow cooker:

1 lb ham, cut into 1-inch cubes (leftover holiday ham works great!)
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (I like Yukon Gold for their buttery texture)
1 onion, chopped (yellow or white both work beautifully)
2 cloves garlic, minced (because everything’s better with garlic)
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium if your ham is particularly salty)
1 tsp dried thyme (rub it between your fingers to wake up the flavor)
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground if possible
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing – makes all the difference)

That’s it! Just a handful of simple ingredients that transform into something magical after a few hours in the slow cooker.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Okay, let me walk you through the super simple steps to make this comforting dish. I promise it’s easier than remembering to water your houseplants (and way more rewarding).

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First things first – grab your favorite skillet and heat that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions and let them get all soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). When they start smelling amazing, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more – you’ll know it’s ready when your whole kitchen smells like heaven. Don’t let the garlic brown or it’ll get bitter, and that’s no fun for anyone.

Step 2: Brown the Ham

Now toss in your cubed ham and give it a quick 2-3 minute sear. You’re not trying to cook it through – just getting some nice color on the edges for extra flavor. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference! The ham will release some delicious juices that’ll make your potatoes extra tasty.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Here’s where the magic happens! Dump your peeled and diced potatoes into the slow cooker first – they need that direct heat to get perfectly tender. Then pour your ham and onion mixture right on top, making sure to scrape all those tasty browned bits from the pan. Add the thyme, pepper, and chicken broth – it should come about halfway up the potatoes. Give everything a gentle stir just to distribute the flavors, but don’t go crazy.

Step 4: Cook and Serve

Now the easy part – set it and forget it! Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done. I like to give it a taste test about 30 minutes before serving – sometimes I’ll add a pinch more thyme if needed. When it’s ready, dish it up while it’s piping hot – the potatoes will be infused with all that hammy goodness and the broth makes its own delicious sauce!

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my absolute must-know tips for slow cooker ham and potato perfection:

Ham hack: Leftover holiday ham is perfect here! Just chop it up and toss it in – the slow cooking makes it even more tender than the first time around. If using fresh ham, look for a pre-cooked smoked ham steak for maximum flavor.

Doneness test: Poke those potatoes with a fork about 30 minutes before the timer goes off. They should be tender but not mushy. If they’re still firm, give them a quick stir and keep cooking.

Broth control: If your dish looks too soupy at the end, remove the lid for the last 20 minutes to let some liquid evaporate. Want it creamier? Mash a few potatoes against the side of the cooker to thicken things up.

Timing trick: If you’re running late, you can prep everything the night before – just store the sautéed ham mixture separately from the potatoes, then dump it all in the slow cooker in the morning.

Variations for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

The beauty of this recipe? It’s practically begging for your personal touch! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when I’m feeling adventurous:

Veggie boost: Toss in a handful of diced carrots or celery with the potatoes – they add sweetness and texture. My kids don’t even notice the extra veggies!
Sweet potato swap: Replace half the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a colorful, vitamin-packed twist. The sweet-savory combo is unreal.
Herb party: Try rosemary instead of thyme, or add a bay leaf for depth (just remember to fish it out before serving).
Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for extra richness.

Honestly? The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker ham and potatoes is practically a complete meal on its own, but here’s how I love to round it out:

Crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful broth (my family fights over the last slice!)
Simple steamed greens like green beans or broccoli to add some freshness
Crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness

Honestly though? Sometimes I just grab a big spoon and dig right in – it’s that good all by itself!

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Here’s the best part – this dish tastes even better the next day! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist – either gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each. The potatoes will soak up even more flavor overnight, making leftovers something to actually look forward to!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutrition per serving, but remember – exact numbers will vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. This hearty dish gives you protein, carbs, and comfort in every bite!

Common Questions About Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

I’ve gotten so many great questions about this recipe over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often:

Can I use frozen potatoes? Absolutely! Frozen diced potatoes work in a pinch – just add them straight from the freezer. You might need to reduce the broth slightly since frozen veggies release more liquid.

How can I make it creamier? My secret? Stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Or for a lighter option, mash some potatoes against the cooker walls to thicken the broth naturally.

What if I don’t have chicken broth? No worries! Water works fine, though I’ll often add an extra teaspoon of thyme to boost the flavor. Vegetable broth makes a great substitute too.

Can I skip sautéing the ham? You can, but trust me – those 2 minutes of browning add SO much depth. If you’re truly pressed for time, at least give the onions a quick cook!

Is this freezer-friendly? Totally! Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

I’d love to see your slow cooker creations! Drop me a comment below with how your ham and potatoes turned out, or tag me on social media with your photos. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins!