Looking for a simple, comforting, and filling meal that practically prepares itself? This slow-cooked Potatoes with Ham dish is exactly what you need. It brings together tender layers of potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a meal for a cozy gathering, this recipe offers the perfect blend of convenience and heartwarming flavor.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its ease but also in its versatility, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Let the slow cooker do the hard work while you enjoy the tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of thinly sliced potatoes (roughly 6 medium-sized potatoes)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups of cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter (for greasing the slow cooker)
- Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by greasing the inside of your crockpot with a small amount of butter. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking to the surface while they cook. - Layer the Ingredients:
Begin by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Follow with half of the sliced onions and half of the diced ham. Once these ingredients are layered, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. - Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the process with the remaining ingredients—adding the rest of the potatoes, onions, and ham. Top off this second layer with the remaining cheddar cheese. - Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. - Combine Layers and Sauce:
Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the layers of potatoes, ham, and onions in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to ensure the sauce gets into all the nooks and crannies of the ingredients. - Cook to Perfection:
Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the potatoes to become tender, and the flavors to meld together beautifully. - Finish with Cheese:
In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the dish. Allow it to melt into the layers, creating a golden and cheesy finish. - Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
Conclusion:
This Potatoes with Ham Cooked Slowly in a Crockpot is the perfect embodiment of comfort food, combining familiar ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and deeply comforting. As the slow cooker works its magic, the layers of potatoes soften to perfection while the savory ham imparts a rich, meaty flavor that melds beautifully with the creamy mushroom sauce. The addition of cheddar cheese creates a luscious, gooey finish that turns this dish into a cheesy, flavorful masterpiece.
What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck gathering, or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is designed to please both adults and children alike. The hands-off nature of the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while it slowly cooks to perfection.
The versatility of this dish also allows for easy adaptations. You can swap out the ham for bacon or sausage, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to make it even heartier. For those who prefer a lighter version, you can experiment with lower-fat cream or cheese options without sacrificing flavor. It’s a recipe that’s as adaptable as it is delicious.
Most importantly, this dish is all about bringing people together. There’s something about the aroma of slowly cooked food that fills the home with warmth, and this Potatoes with Ham recipe is sure to become a comforting tradition in your household. It’s a meal that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy moments shared around the dinner table. With each bite, you’ll be reminded of how the simplest ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
So, whether you’re looking to prepare a hearty dinner with minimal effort or impress guests with a rich and flavorful dish, this slow-cooked potato and ham recipe is sure to satisfy. Let it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation, one that you’ll return to again and again for its unbeatable ease and unbeatable flavor. Enjoy every last bite!
