Comfort-Style Stewed Potatoes Ham Recipe

Stewed Potatoes With Ham Recipe You’ll Make Again

Stewed potatoes with ham makes for a meal that feels like a warm hug on any day of the week.

Comfort food doesn't need to be complicated, and some of the most satisfying dishes come together in just one pot.

Busy weeknights call for reliable meals that don't sacrifice taste for convenience, and few options deliver on both fronts quite like this one.

You can count on it to fill bellies and lift spirits when time feels tight but hunger runs deep.

Cold weather or rainy afternoons become much more bearable when there's something wholesome simmering away.

Go straight to the recipe and see how simple satisfaction can be.

What Makes Stewed Potatoes With Ham So Comforting

What Makes Stewed Potatoes With Ham So Comforting
  • Easy Family Meal: This stewed potato dish brings everyone around the table with its hearty, simple flavors that keep your family happy and satisfied.
  • No-Fuss Cooking: The recipe requires minimal prep and basic ingredients, making it perfect when your kitchen time is limited but you still want a delicious dinner.
  • Pantry-Friendly Comfort: With common ingredients like potatoes, ham, and chicken broth, you can create a filling meal without a special grocery trip.
  • Flexible Flavor Booster: Your kitchen skills shine by easily adjusting seasonings and texture, turning this basic recipe into a personalized comfort food experience.

Stewed Potatoes with Ham Ingredient Overview

Main Ingredients:
  • 4.5 Cups Potatoes: These hearty spuds form the heart of your comfort dish. Choose waxy potatoes that hold their shape while creating a creamy texture when gently stewed.
  • 1 Cup Cooked Ham: Diced ham adds a rich, salty flavor that transforms simple potatoes into a satisfying meal. The meat brings depth and protein to your stew.
  • 1 Medium Onion, 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: These ingredients create a savory base that makes your stew deeply delicious. Onions soften and sweeten while garlic powder adds a subtle, warm note.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika, Salt and Pepper: These spices enhance every bite, bringing warmth and balanced seasoning to your potato stew.
  • 3 Cups Chicken Broth, 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Chicken broth provides the cooking liquid that makes your potatoes tender, while butter adds richness and smoothness.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a fresh, bright finish to your hearty stew.

Necessary Tools for Stewed Potatoes With Ham

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven (5-6 quart): Your primary cooking vessel where all the magic happens, perfect for creating hearty one-pot meals with deep, rich flavors.
  • Chef’s Knife: Sharp companion for chopping onions and dicing ham precisely and quickly.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface where you’ll prep your ingredients with ease.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential tool for stirring and blending ingredients smoothly without scratching your pot.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding just the right amount of seasonings like garlic powder and paprika.
  • Measuring Cup: Ensures you add the perfect amount of chicken broth for your stewed potatoes.
  • Potato Masher (optional): Great for thickening the broth by gently crushing a few potatoes if desired.
  • Colander (optional): Useful for rinsing potatoes before quartering them.
  • Fresh Herb Scissors or Sharp Knife: Perfect for chopping parsley for a bright garnish.

Stewed Potatoes with Ham Cooking Method

Stewed Potatoes with Ham Cooking Method
1

Butter and Onions

Grab a large pot and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat at 350°F. Toss in the finely chopped medium onion and cook until the pieces turn soft and slightly see-through, which takes about 5 minutes.

2

Adding Ham

Drop the 1 cup of diced cooked ham into the pot with the onions. Let them sizzle together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can get friendly.

3

Season the Mixture

Add your potato chunks to the pot and sprinkle in the seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Stir everything so each potato gets a nice coating of spices.

4

Pour in the Broth

Pour 3 cups of chicken broth into the pot, making sure all potatoes are covered. If needed, add a splash of water so everything is submerged. Crank the heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

5

Gentle Simmer

Lower the heat to 200°F, cover the pot, and let everything cook for 20-25 minutes until the 4.5 cups of potato quarters are super tender when poked with a fork.

6

Final Touches

Take a quick taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Want a thicker sauce? Gently mash a few potatoes right in the pot. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top and serve this warm comfort dish hot from the stove.

Best Tips For Cooking Stewed Potatoes With Ham

  • Melt butter slowly to create a rich, flavorful base that helps onions caramelize perfectly without burning.
  • Let ham and onions sizzle together briefly to develop deep, savory undertones that make your stewed potatoes extra delicious.
  • Cut potatoes into even quarters so they cook uniformly and become tender at the same time throughout the pot.
  • Sprinkle spices evenly before adding liquid to ensure every potato bite gets maximum flavor from garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Keep potatoes mostly covered with liquid while simmering, and gently mash a few spuds at the end to thicken your sauce naturally.

Stewed Potatoes and Ham Comfort Variations

  • Vegetarian Potato Stew: Replace ham with diced mushrooms or plant-based sausage crumbles, keeping the same cooking method and seasoning for a meat-free version that gives your meal a hearty protein boost.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, add diced green chiles, and sprinkle cumin and chili powder to transform the dish into a zesty Southwest-style potato stew.
  • Creamy Potato Variation: Stir in heavy cream or sour cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking to create a rich, velvety texture that makes your stew extra comforting and smooth.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium chicken broth, skip added salt, and rely on herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content for a heart-friendly meal.

Comfort Ways to Enjoy Stewed Potatoes With Ham

  • Serving Size: This hearty stew serves 4 to 6 people comfortably, perfect for a family dinner or cozy gathering with friends.
  • Bread Pairing: Grab a crusty sourdough or warm cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth and complete your meal.
  • Veggie Companion: Toss a simple green salad on the side to balance the richness of the stewed potatoes and ham.
  • Wine Choice: Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the dish’s heartiness.

Best Storage Guide for Stewed Potatoes With Ham

  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit together.
  • Freeze this dish in freezer-safe containers for a quick meal later. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the potatoes from getting mushy.
  • When reheating, add a splash of extra chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the potatoes from drying out. Warm slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Store any fresh parsley separately in a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator to keep it crisp for garnishing future servings.

Stewed Potatoes With Ham FAQs

FAQ

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Russet, red, or Yukon gold potatoes work great. Each brings a slightly different texture, so choose what you have on hand or prefer.

FAQ

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

When a fork slides easily into the potato without resistance, they are perfectly done. Soft but not mushy is the goal.

FAQ

Is ham the only meat option?

Bacon, smoked sausage, or leftover roasted pork can replace ham and add similar rich flavor to your dish.

FAQ

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace ham with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives to keep the hearty feel.

FAQ

What if my broth becomes too thick?

Simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stirring helps distribute the liquid evenly.

FAQ

How fine should I chop the onions?

Aim for bite-sized pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Consistent chopping helps onions cook evenly and blend smoothly with other ingredients.

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Comfort-Style Stewed Potatoes Ham Recipe

Comfort-Style Stewed Potatoes Ham Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty stewed potatoes with ham delivers pure comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, warming your soul with each delicious spoonful. Simple ingredients blend into a classic dish that brings family around the table for satisfying memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4.5 cups potatoes
  • 1 cup ham
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat at 350°F, stirring your spatula to distribute evenly across the surface.
  2. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for exactly 5 minutes until translucent and softened.
  3. Stir 1 cup diced cooked ham into the pot and cook alongside onions for 3 minutes to develop deeper flavor profiles.
  4. Drop 4.5 cups peeled and quartered potatoes into the pot, then dust with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour 3 cups chicken broth into the pot, ensuring potatoes are completely submerged. Add extra water if liquid doesn’t cover ingredients.
  6. Increase heat to high and bring liquid to a vigorous boil, which should take approximately 4-5 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover your pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 22 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.
  8. Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  9. Gently crush a few potatoes against the pot’s side to thicken the broth’s consistency.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which hold their shape better during cooking and create a creamier texture.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil and use lean ham or turkey ham to reduce overall fat content.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added with the spices for extra depth of flavor, transforming this simple comfort dish into something more sophisticated.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Ham
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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