Table of Contents

Ham and Potato Skillet: A Hearty One-Pan Meal

My grandmother, bless her heart, had a knack for making the simplest ingredients sing. One of my fondest childhood memories is the aroma of her cooking filling her tiny kitchen, especially when she made her signature ham and potato skillet. The savory scent of the ham, mingled with the earthy potatoes and sweet onion, always meant a comforting meal was on the way. It wasn’t fancy, but it was made with love, and that’s what truly mattered. To this day, whenever I crave a taste of home, I turn to this easy, satisfying dish.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3
Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

½ lb ground cooked ham
2 cups chopped potatoes
½ cup chopped onion
¼ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup fresh green beans or 1 cup frozen cut green beans
½ cup water
⅛ teaspoon pepper

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

Instructions

Begin by spraying a large skillet with Pam or another cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps to ensure even cooking.
Place the skillet over medium heat. Add the ground cooked ham, sliced celery, and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the celery to soften.
Stir in the chopped potatoes, fresh green beans (if using fresh), water, crushed dried thyme, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
Cover the skillet tightly and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Check occasionally to ensure the mixture isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If using frozen cut green beans, add them to the ham and potato mixture during the last 7 minutes of cooking time. This ensures they cook through but don’t become mushy.
Once the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
To serve, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the ham and potato skillet. The cheese adds a nice salty and savory touch.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Use Leftover Ham: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham from a holiday meal. If you don’t have ground ham, simply dice cooked ham into small pieces.
Potato Choice: Russet potatoes will give you a softer, more comforting texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape a bit better. Red potatoes will also work well.
Spice It Up: For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the thyme.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This will save you time during the week.
Herbs: Fresh thyme is fantastic if you have it on hand! Use about 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves instead of the dried.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the ham and potato skillet hot, right from the skillet. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze this skillet meal for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating in a skillet with a bit of broth helps to keep it moist.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	318.3 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	–
Total Fat	14 g	21%
Saturated Fat	5.2 g	26%
Cholesterol	72.5 mg	24%
Sodium	107.6 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	24 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	4.4 g	17%
Sugars	3.1 g	–
Protein	24.1 g	–

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Smoked Sausage: Substitute the ham with smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
Sweet Potatoes: Replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious dish.
Dairy-Free: Omit the parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, skip the ham altogether and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier dish.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano.
Broth: You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the water for added flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned potatoes in this recipe?
A: While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use canned potatoes in a pinch. Drain and rinse them well before adding them to the skillet, and reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the skillet?
A: Ensure that you spray the skillet well with cooking spray and stir the mixture occasionally during cooking. Adding a little extra water or broth can also help.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. You can also cook the entire skillet ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This ham and potato skillet is a simple, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to your tastes and preferences. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the warm, comforting flavors for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch. And of course, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your feedback and any variations you try. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or a slice of homemade bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Ham and Potato Skillet Recipe