Creamy Ham and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

There are some meals that just feel like home, and this Creamy Ham and Potatoes is one of them. Tender skillet-fried potatoes, savory ham, sweet onions, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce come together in one comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or hearty weekend suppers.

Prep Time12

Cook Time18

Total Time30

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 30 minute meal, budget recipe, comfort food, easy meals, easy recipe, One Pot Meal, potato recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 942kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

skillet

Cast Iron

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
3 Pounds Potatoes peeled, halved and sliced thin
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
2 Medium Onions Cut into 1-inch pieces
1 Pound Honey Ham Lunch Meat cut into bite-size pieces
10.5 Ounces Cheese Soup 1 can
10.5 Ounces Buttermilk
½ Cup Queso Dip I used a mild flavor
4 Tablespoons Butter ½ stick

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced potatoes and cover with a lid. Cook for 5 minutes.
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 3 Pounds Potatoes
Using a spatula, turn the potatoes over. Season with the salt and black pepper. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
1 Teaspoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Turn the potatoes again and add the onions and ham pieces. Cover and cook for 3 minutes more.
2 Medium Onions, 1 Pound Honey Ham Lunch Meat
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cheese soup, buttermilk, and queso dip until smooth.
10.5 Ounces Cheese Soup, 10.5 Ounces Buttermilk, ½ Cup Queso Dip
Pour the cheese mixture over the potatoes, onions, and ham. Reduce the heat to low and cover.
Slice the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and distribute over the top of the mixture.
4 Tablespoons Butter
Cover and cook until the butter melts and the sauce is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Serve hot and enjoy.

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Notes

Ingredient Notes

This recipe serves 4 as a hearty main dish or up to 6 when served alongside other dishes.

Potatoes

Russet potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe because they become tender and absorb the creamy sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice and provide a buttery flavor.

Honey Ham

Using honey ham lunch meat makes preparation quick and easy. Leftover baked ham from a holiday meal works just as well and adds even more homemade flavor.

Buttermilk

The buttermilk adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the cheese sauce. It helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce that isn't overly heavy.

Because buttermilk is acidic, it can sometimes curdle if heated too aggressively. Keeping the heat on low when adding the buttermilk and cheese should prevent any issues. If you happen to notice the sauce getting a little thick, adding an extra ¼ to ½ cup of buttermilk or milk will loosen it nicely.

Cheese Soup and Queso

These ingredients combine to make a creamy, cheesy sauce without requiring a traditional roux. Mild queso keeps the flavors family-friendly, but you can easily use a spicier variety if desired.

Tips for Success

Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Keep the lid on the skillet while cooking to help the potatoes soften more quickly.
Stir gently when combining the sauce to avoid breaking apart the potatoes.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of additional buttermilk before serving.
Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Nutrition