Introduction
Welcome to our slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon recipe! If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal that requires minimal effort, then you’re in the right place. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ham, potatoes, and bacon, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. All you have to do is toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and flavorful dish. Secondly, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this stew is sure to please. Lastly, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of the year. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out and leaves you feeling completely satisfied.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon:
– 1 ½ pounds of ham, cubed
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 4 cups of potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons of flour
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– Crusty bread for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon:
- Place the cubed ham, chopped bacon, diced potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, flour, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Once the stew is cooked, give it a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, you can sauté the onions and garlic in a little bit of bacon fat before adding them to the slow cooker. This will add a depth of flavor to the stew.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon turns out perfectly:
– Use a good quality ham for the best flavor. Smoked ham works particularly well in this recipe.
– Don’t be tempted to skip the bacon. It adds a delicious smoky flavor to the stew.
– If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix an additional tablespoon of flour with a little bit of water and add it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
– Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew if you like. Carrots, celery, and peas all work well in this recipe.
Variations and Substitutions
There are many ways to customize this slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
– If you’re not a fan of ham, you can substitute it with cooked chicken or turkey.
– For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham and bacon and add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
– If you’re watching your calories, you can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
– Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika would all add a unique flavor to the stew.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with some delicious sides to make it even more satisfying. Here are a few ideas:
– Crusty bread: Serve the stew with some crusty bread for dipping and mopping up all the delicious sauce.
– Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a refreshing accompaniment to the rich and hearty stew.
– Mashed potatoes: If you can’t get enough potatoes, serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this stew on the stovetop?
A: Absolutely! To make this stew on the stovetop, simply follow the same steps but use a large pot instead of a slow cooker. Simmer the stew over low heat for about 1-2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter and richer flavor.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoy making and devouring this slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon as much as we do. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of ham, bacon, and potatoes creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear your feedback. Feel free to share your experiences and any variations you tried. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes Stew with Bacon
A hearty and delicious stew made with ham, potatoes, and bacon simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. This comforting meal requires minimal effort and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ham, cubed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread for serving (optional)
Directions
- Place the cubed ham, chopped bacon, diced potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, flour, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Once the stew is cooked, give it a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the slow cooker ham and potatoes stew with bacon hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
