This rich, hearty potato stew is pure comfort in a bowl! Packed with tender potatoes, melty cheese, savory ham, crispy bacon, and creamy sour cream, it’s the kind of cozy dinner that fills everyone up and makes them go back for seconds. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and makes a big pot—perfect for chilly nights or feeding a crowd.
Grab some biscuits or warm rolls and get ready to dig into a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato & Ham Stew
✔️ Feeds a crowd! One pot easily serves a hungry family.
🥓 Loaded with flavor. Bacon, ham, cheese, and creamy potatoes? Yes, please.
🧄 Quick prep. Just peel, boil, stir, and simmer.
🍲 Great leftovers. Tastes even better the next day!
💰 Affordable ingredients. All from Walmart for about $10–$12!
What Does It Taste Like?
Creamy, cheesy, savory, and a little smoky from the bacon and ham. The sour cream adds tang, the cheddar adds richness, and the potatoes soak up all that flavor beautifully. It’s like loaded mashed potatoes turned into a thick, soul-warming stew.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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🥔 5 lbs potatoes, peeled, cubed, and boiled until fork tender
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💧 Water – Just enough to boil, but you’ll drain half of it after cooking
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🥛 Milk – Add just enough to cover the potatoes after draining
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🍶 ½ to 1 cup sour cream – Depending on how tangy you like it
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🧈 2 sticks unsalted butter – For ultra richness
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🧀 1 cup mild cheddar cheese – Stirred in and/or used for topping
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🥓 1 lb cooked bacon crumbles – Adds smokiness and crunch
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🍖 1 lb cubed ham – Deli or leftover holiday ham works great
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🧂 Nature’s Seasoning – Or your favorite all-purpose seasoning
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🥣 Instant potatoes – Just a few tablespoons to thicken at the end
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🧅 Optional toppings: More cheese, chopped green onions, parsley
How to Make Loaded Potato & Ham Stew
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Peel and cube your potatoes, then boil in a large pot of water until fork tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain half of the water once they’re cooked.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Base
Add milk to the pot—just enough to cover the potatoes. Stir in the sour cream and both sticks of butter. Let everything melt together over low heat.
Step 3: Add the Meat & Cheese
Stir in the cheddar cheese, cooked bacon crumbles, and cubed ham. Mix until fully combined and heated through.
Step 4: Season & Thicken
Add Nature’s Seasoning (or salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.) to taste. If the stew is too thin, sprinkle in a bit of instant mashed potatoes—just enough to thicken it up to your liking.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle into bowls and serve hot with warm bread, dinner rolls, or biscuits. Top with more shredded cheese, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream!
Tips & Variations
✔ Use leftover ham or rotisserie chicken if you don’t have ham on hand.
✔ Want extra veggies? Add in frozen peas, corn, or sautéed onions.
✔ Try smoked gouda or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a fun twist.
✔ Double the bacon if your crowd loves it crispy and smoky.
✔ Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months—great for future meals!
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Reheat: Warm over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring in a little extra milk to loosen if needed.
Final Thoughts:
This Loaded Potato & Ham Stew is one of those stick-to-your-ribs, feel-good meals your family will ask for again and again. It’s creamy, filling, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or chilly weekend lunch.
More Cozy Comforts to Try:
🍜 One-Pot Chicken & Noodles
🥘 Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Casserole
🧄 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta