Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes: A Cozy Classic Made Effortless

Thank you for stopping by! I’m so thrilled you’re here—especially because this Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes recipe is one of my all-time favorites for busy weeks, family dinners, or anytime you just need something warm, creamy, and full of comfort. This easy recipe is a beautiful blend of everyday ingredients layered into delicious harmony—and guess what? You can make it almost entirely hands-free!

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What Is Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes?

Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes is a hearty, layered casserole-style dish where sliced potatoes, savory ham, and onions come together with creamy mushroom soup and gooey melted cheese. Everything slow-cooks into a tender, cheesy medley that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to meal prep with minimal effort, this is one of those throw-it-together-and-let-it-cook miracles. And yes—it’s just as good reheated!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Effortless comfort: Toss it in the slow cooker and go about your day
• Hearty and filling: Loaded with protein, carbs, and cheese—it’s dinner in one dish
• Kid-approved: Mild flavors and creamy textures make this a hit with picky eaters
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and stretches small amounts of meat
• Customizable: Easy to add veggies, switch up cheeses, or make it extra saucy

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine buttery-soft potatoes nestled in creamy mushroom sauce with chunks of smoky ham and melty cheddar laced throughout. The onions add a whisper of sweetness, the ham brings a savory bite, and the cheese… well, the cheese speaks for itself. It’s rich, satisfying, and anything but boring!!

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• One-pot meal = easy cleanup
• Slow-cooking brings out deep, developed flavors
• Great for make-ahead meals or leftovers
• Naturally gluten-free (just check your soup brand)
• Flexible ingredients based on what you have in the fridge

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

• 6 to 8 slices of ham, chopped
• 4 to 5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar works great)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Water, as needed (optional, for moisture)

Tools You’ll Need

• A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Vegetable peeler (for potatoes)
• Grater (if grating your own cheese)
• Spoon or spatula for layering
• Ladle for serving

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

• Ham: Leftover roast chicken, turkey, or even cooked bacon work beautifully
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal. Sweet potatoes also work for a twist
• Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack if you want a kick
• Soup: Not a fan of mushroom? Swap in cream of chicken or celery
• Add-ins: Toss in frozen peas, chopped spinach, or corn for color and nutrition

this Recipe

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Step 1: Grease the Slow Cooker

Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Start with a layer of sliced potatoes. Add a handful of chopped ham, a sprinkle of chopped onions, a bit of salt and pepper, and a handful of cheese
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used—be sure to finish with cheese on top

Step 3: Add the Soup

Pour the undiluted cream of mushroom soup over the top layer. Gently spread it out with a spoon to cover everything evenly

Step 4: Let It Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender
Check around the 4-hour mark—if it’s looking dry, add a small splash of water to keep the bottom from sticking

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Grab a ladle and serve it warm, straight from the pot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese on top never hurt

What to Serve with Ham and Potatoes

This dish is a meal on its own, but if you’re rounding it out for guests or a bigger gathering, here are a few delicious pairings:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
• Buttery dinner rolls or garlic toast
• Applesauce or cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast

Tips for Best Results

• Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking. A mandoline makes this easier
• Don’t skip the cheese on top—it forms a melty layer that’s golden and irresistible
• Use cooked ham—raw ham won’t work well here
• Go easy on salt initially—the soup and ham can be salty already. Taste before serving and adjust

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until hot all the way through. Add a splash of milk if it looks dry

General Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours
• Total Time: About 6.5–7.5 hours
• Servings: 4 to 6
• Dietary Notes: Gluten-free (check labels), high in protein

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with raw ham?

I don’t recommend it—raw ham won’t cook properly in this method. Pre-cooked or leftover ham is best

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of soup?

You can, but you’ll need to make a separate cream sauce first. For simplicity, the canned soup really works wonders here

Will this overcook if I leave it longer?

A little extra time won’t hurt, but after 8 hours, the potatoes can start to fall apart. Try to stick within the 6–7 hour window if possible

Is this good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats beautifully and gets even more flavorful by the next day

Conclusion

Whether it’s a chilly evening, a weekend brunch, or a lazy Sunday dinner, Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes delivers big comfort with minimal work. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it tastes like home

If you enjoyed this cozy meal, check out more recipes just like it:

• Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms – another rich, slow-cooked favorite
• Bacon and Cheese Crustless Quiche – easy and perfect for brunch or meal prep
• Amazing Forgotten Chicken – a set-it-and-forget-it winner with simple ingredients

Share the Love

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see it! Leave a review below and share your creations on Pinterest—tag me at EmmaRecipes18 so I can see how yours turned out and cheer you on

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 860mg

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