Ham and Potatoes Stew with Bacon

1. Place the chopped potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Top with the cubed ham, crumbled bacon, diced onion, and minced garlic.

3. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, making sure some liquid reaches the bottom.

4. Sprinkle the dried thyme and black pepper evenly over the top.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 4 hours.

6. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top in the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it melt.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness.

For those with picky eaters or dietary restrictions, this recipe is wonderfully versatile! You can substitute sweet potatoes for white potatoes, or use turkey bacon to lighten it up. For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and bacon and add extra veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms, maybe even throw in some smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.