Hearty Ham and Potato Stew from Scratch (Easy Recipe)
If you have leftover ham sitting in the fridge and you’re wondering how to stretch it into another wholesome, hearty meal, this recipe is for you. Hearty Ham and Potato Stew from Scratch is simple, economical, and filling. It uses basic vegetables, pantry seasoning, and our own Cream of Everything Soup Mix to create a thick, comforting stew without relying on canned soup.
This is the kind of recipe that helps you cook from scratch without making it complicated. It’s practical, family-friendly, and a great way to make leftovers feel like a brand-new meal.
This post may contain affiliate links. I earn a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great use of leftover ham or ham steak – nothing goes to waste
- Budget-friendly and simple ingredients – potatoes and vegetables stretch the meal.
- Simple seasoning with Mrs. Dash Seasoning, our Cream of Everything Soup Mix, and our Homemade Bouillon Powder
- One-pot meal – easy cleanup
- Hearty and filling – perfect for busy weeknights
If you’re trying to cook more from scratch while keeping things easy, this stew checks all the boxes.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients for Ham and Potato Stew
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups water, chicken stock or ham stock. We love to use our Homemade Bouillon Powder.
- 2–3 tablespoons our homemade Cream of Everything Soup Mix
- 1–2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Seasoning (to taste)
- Whole milk or heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, if needed
Homestead Pro Tip:
Mix the Cream of Everything Soup Mix with milk, or a combination of milk and heavy cream for a creamier consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ham and Potato Stew
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Place your pot on the stove top over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil if desired. Add diced yellow onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Potatoes
- Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in enough water or broth to cover the vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Until Tender
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add the Ham
- Stir in the diced ham and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Thicken the Stew
- Whisk in the Cream Everything Soup Mix, stirring well to prevent lumps. Let the stew simmer gently until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season
- Add Mrs. Dash Seasoning, salt and pepper if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- NOTE: Keep the heat low once thickened to prevent sticking or scorching.
Homestead Pro Tip:
Don’t have broth, make it with our own Homemade Bouillon Powder recipe. This is a great addition to your pantry.
Option: Make It in the Crockpot
If you prefer a hands-off approach, this stew works well in a slow cooker.
How to adapt it:
- Add potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, ham, water or broth, and Mrs. Dash Seasoning to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk the Cream Everything Soup Mix with a small amount of warm broth to create a slurry.
- Stir into the crockpot and allow it to thicken before serving.
This method is especially helpful on busy days when you want dinner ready without standing at the stove.
Serving Suggestions for Ham and Potato Stew
- Serve with homemade biscuits or crusty bread
- Pair with a simple fresh side salad
- Top with fresh parsley if you have it on hand
- Great alongside cornbread for a complete, filling meal
This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs well with simple sides.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers, such as Souper Cubes, or bags, and freeze. This stew can be frozen up to 2 months, though potatoes may soften slightly when reheated.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much.
Enameled Dutch Ovens Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot with Lid for Bread Baking, Cook, Dual Handle, 7 Quart, Pistachio Green. Available in other colors.
Silicone Freezer Molds Gift Set with 2 Tbsp, 1/2, 1, and 2 Cup Silicone Freezer Trays With Lids - Meal Prep and Kitchen Essentials Bundle
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a ham bone instead of diced ham?
Yes. Using a leftover ham bone adds extra flavor. Simmer it with the vegetables and remove before serving.
2. What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes both work well. Yukon Gold potatoes hold shape slightly better.
3. Can I make this stew dairy-free?
Yes. As long as your Cream Everything Soup Mix is dairy-free, this recipe works well without added milk or cream.
4. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for lunches. Try freezing leftovers in Souper Cubes.
5. How can I make it thicker?
Add milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream to the Cream Everything Soup Mix or let it simmer longer to reduce.
Pin for Later
Special Tools (affiliate links): Souper Cubes | Dutch Oven | Mrs. Dash Seasoning |
Hearty Ham and Potato Stew from Scratch is a practical way to turn leftover ham into a full, nourishing, and delicious meal. It uses affordable ingredients, requires minimal prep, and keeps everything simple. If you’re focused on cooking from scratch and making the most of what you already have, this is the kind of recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.
Using homemade pantry staples like Cream of Everything Soup Mix and our Homemade Bouillon Powder makes it even better. Instead of reaching for canned shortcuts, you’re building flavor with ingredients you’ve already prepared yourself. That’s the beauty of cooking with what you have. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it keeps your kitchen running on homemade goodness.
When you cook this way, you know exactly what’s in your food. No mystery ingredients. No unnecessary fillers. Just real, nourishing meals made with intention. Recipes like this aren’t just about dinner — they’re about taking control of your food supply, one pot at a time.
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars!
And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and homestead inspiration!
Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)
Hearty Ham and Potato Stew from Scratch (Easy Recipe)
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- cutting board
- sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham diced
- 4 cups potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 4 cups water, chicken stock, or ham stock (Homemade Bouillon Powder – link below)
- 2-3 TBSP Cream of Everything Soup Mix (link below)
- 1-2 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning (to taste)
- Whole milk or heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (if needed)
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Place your pot on the stove top over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil if desired. Add diced yellow onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Potatoes
- Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in enough water or broth to cover the vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer Until Tender
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add the Ham
- Stir in the diced ham and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Thicken the Stew
- Whisk in the Cream of Everything Soup Mix, stirring well to prevent lumps. Let the stew simmer gently until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Season
- Add Mrs. Dash and salt if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- NOTE: Keep the heat low once thickened to prevent sticking or scorching.
