Sure! Here's an original, plagiarism-free article on the recipe for Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes Stew with Bacon.

Cozy Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes Stew with Crispy Bacon

Introduction

When chilly evenings call for comfort food that’s both hearty and simple, a slow cooker stew is the perfect answer. This Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes Stew with Bacon is a savory delight, combining tender chunks of ham, creamy potatoes, and smoky bacon in a luscious, slow-simmered broth. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose leftover ham or create a satisfying one-pot meal packed with flavors that warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked ham, diced into bite-sized pieces

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 stalks celery, sliced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Prepare the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove it and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble or chop into pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.

2. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add butter or olive oil if needed along with the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add diced ham, cubed potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

5. Add cream and thicken: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry and add it to the slow cooker. Stir well and let it cook uncovered to thicken.

6. Finish with bacon: Just before serving, stir in most of the crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley and the reserved crispy bacon for a delightful crunch. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed. This stew also freezes well—freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations

ADVERTISEMENT

Pages: 1 2