Slow Cooker Ham And Potatoes With Bacon

Introduction

Get ready for a truly comforting meal that practically cooks itself! Our Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes with Bacon is a dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Imagine tender, savory ham mingling with soft, fluffy potatoes, all infused with the irresistible smoky goodness of bacon. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours of work, but secretly, your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting.

This recipe is an absolute dream for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You spend a few minutes prepping ingredients in the morning, toss them into your slow cooker, and then go about your day. No constant stirring, no worrying about burning, just the delightful aroma filling your home as dinner cooks itself. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for when you need a delicious, wholesome dinner without the fuss.

So, if you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that will please everyone at your table, you’ve found it! This Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes with Bacon is destined to become a new family favorite. It’s easy, comforting, and utterly delicious. Let’s get cooking!

Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on high OR 8-10 hours on low
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes – 10 hours 25 minutes

Small tip: To save even more time on a busy morning, chop your potatoes and onion the night before and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 6-8 servings.

• For the Ham & Potatoes:
• 2 lbs pre-cooked ham, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 2 lbs baby potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes), quartered
• 6-8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste – ham can be salty)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Bacon

   Start by cooking your bacon. Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, then remove the bacon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Crumble the cooked bacon and set it aside for later.

   Small tip: For less mess, you can also bake bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

2. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)

   If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, use about 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat (or a little olive oil) in the skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker.

   Small tip: Sautéing the onion and garlic first really deepens the overall flavor of the dish. Don’t skip this if you have a few extra minutes!

3. Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

   Add the quartered potatoes to the slow cooker first, forming an even layer at the bottom. This helps them cook through nicely. Next, add the diced ham cubes over the potatoes.

   Small tip: Using baby potatoes means less chopping, and their skins are thin enough to leave on, adding extra nutrients.

4. Step 4: Whisk the Sauce

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust salt if needed, remembering that ham is often quite salty.

   Small tip: Dijon mustard adds a lovely tang that cuts through the richness of the ham and bacon without making the dish taste like mustard.

5. Step 5: Pour and Cook

   Pour the whisked broth mixture evenly over the ham and potatoes in the slow cooker. Ensure the liquid covers most of the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

   Small tip: Don’t overfill your slow cooker. It should be no more than two-thirds full for best results.

6. Step 6: Set and Forget

   Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the ham is heated through. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model, so check for tenderness.

   Small tip: Avoid opening the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and adds significant time to the cooking process.

7. Step 7: Stir in Bacon and Garnish

   Once the dish is cooked, give it a gentle stir. Just before serving, sprinkle most of the crumbled bacon over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

   Small tip: Reserve a little extra crumbled bacon and parsley to sprinkle on individual servings for presentation.

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your chicken or vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ham and bacon. Replace the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh, diced and pan-fried for texture. Use vegetable broth and add extra hearty vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or chickpeas.
• Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding more veggies! Stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Sliced carrots or green beans can be added at the beginning with the potatoes.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the broth mixture. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end also works wonderfully.
• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier dish, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese or ½ cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will create a thicker, more indulgent sauce.
• Cheese Please: A cup of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack cheese stirred in just before serving, or sprinkled on top and allowed to melt, adds another layer of deliciousness.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 18g

Please note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Health Benefits

Our Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes with Bacon isn’t just delicious; it also offers some great nutritional benefits!

• Potatoes: These humble tubers are a good source of potassium, which is vital for heart health and blood pressure regulation. They also provide Vitamin C for immune support and Vitamin B6, essential for brain function. When eaten with the skin on, potatoes also contribute dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Ham: Lean ham is an excellent source of high-quality protein, crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. It also provides essential B vitamins like B12 and niacin, which are important for energy metabolism.
• Onions and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Garlic, in particular, is known for its immune-boosting properties and potential benefits for heart health.
• Wholesome Meal: This dish combines protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, providing sustained energy and satiety. It’s a balanced meal that can keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day.

Serving Suggestions

• Green Salad: Serve alongside a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus adds extra nutrients and a fresh element.
• Main Dish Marvel: This hearty dish is absolutely robust enough to be a standalone main course. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.
• Meal Prep Powerhouse: This recipe makes fantastic leftovers! Portion it into airtight containers for easy, delicious lunches throughout the week.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish also freezes well; transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems too dry.

Conclusion

There you have it – a truly remarkable and effortlessly delicious meal that will quickly become a cherished part of your recipe collection. Our Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes with Bacon brings together classic, comforting flavors in a way that’s both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully convenient. It’s the kind of hearty, wholesome dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for any season or occasion.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try! You’ll love how little effort it takes to create such a flavorful and fulfilling meal. Your slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the good things in life. The tender ham, soft potatoes, and smoky bacon are a match made in culinary heaven.

Gather your loved ones around the table and share this wonderful creation. It’s a meal that speaks of home, comfort, and good times. We hope you and your family enjoy every single delicious bite!