40-Minute Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup That Warms the Soul

Name: 40-Minute Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup That Warms the Soul
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup diced ham; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups diced potatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf

Author: lia

Published: September 22, 2025

Updated: September 23, 2025

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There’s something magical about a pot of soup simmering on the stove, especially when it’s this Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup. I swear, the smell alone makes my kitchen feel like home – that comforting mix of savory ham, earthy potatoes, and just the right touch of thyme. And the best part? Everything comes together in one pot (yes, just one!) with minimal fuss.

This recipe became my go-to after a particularly hectic week when I needed something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours cooking or face a mountain of dishes. Now it’s what I make when the weather turns chilly, when friends stop by unexpectedly, or when my kids beg for “that potato soup with the little ham bits.” It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without weighing you down, and trust me, it tastes even better the next day.

What I love most is how the simple ingredients transform into something so satisfying. The potatoes get perfectly tender, the ham adds that salty richness, and the carrots and celery bring just enough sweetness. It’s comfort in a bowl, ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish – and most of that time is hands-off while it simmers. Just wait until you try it!

Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup

This soup checks all the boxes for those nights when you need something delicious without the hassle. Here’s why it’s become my kitchen MVP:

One pot wonder – From sautéing to simmering, everything happens in that same trusty pot (hello, easy cleanup!)
Ready in a flash – About 40 minutes total, with most of that being hands-off simmer time
Comfort food magic – Creamy (but not heavy), savory, and packed with tender potatoes and ham
Weeknight hero – Uses simple ingredients you probably have right now
Leftover lover – Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld

Quick and Convenient

I’m all about meals that don’t tie me to the stove, and this soup delivers. After the initial 10 minutes of chopping and sautéing (which, let’s be honest, is great therapy), you basically let the pot do its thing. The one-pot method means no juggling multiple pans – just dump, stir, and walk away while it simmers into cozy perfection.

Family-Friendly Comfort Food

My picky eater actually asks for seconds of this soup – that’s how you know it’s good! The mild flavors appeal to kids, while adults appreciate the depth from the thyme and garlic. It’s the kind of meal where everyone scrapes their bowls clean, then lingers at the table soaking up the last bits with crusty bread. Pure comfort food magic that brings us all together.

Ingredients for Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Gathering everything for this soup is a breeze – you might already have most of these ingredients in your fridge or pantry! Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect bowl of comfort:

1 tbsp olive oil – Just enough to get things sizzling (butter works too if you’re feeling indulgent)
1 cup diced ham – Leftover holiday ham is my secret weapon here – those flavorful bits make all the difference
1 onion, chopped – Yellow or white, whatever’s in your basket
2 carrots, diced – About ½-inch pieces so they cook evenly with the potatoes
2 celery stalks, diced – Don’t skip this! It adds such nice texture
3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh is best – I press mine right into the pot
4 cups diced potatoes – Yukon Golds are my favorite – they hold their shape beautifully
4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium so you can control the salt
1 cup milk – Whole milk makes it extra creamy, but any kind works
1 tsp salt – Start with this, then adjust at the end
½ tsp black pepper – Freshly ground if you’ve got it
1 tsp dried thyme – Rub it between your fingers to wake up the flavor
1 bay leaf – The subtle background note that ties everything together

See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that transform into something magical when they all get cozy in the pot together.

How to Make Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Now for the fun part – let’s transform these simple ingredients into a pot of pure comfort! Grab your favorite soup pot (I use my trusty 5-quart Dutch oven) and let’s get cooking.

Sautéing the Base

First, heat that olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers – about 1 minute. Toss in your diced ham and listen to that satisfying sizzle! Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it gets those gorgeous golden-brown edges (that’s where the flavor lives). Now add your onion, carrots, and celery – I call this the “holy trinity” of soup-making. Stir everything around until the onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes. That amazing aroma? That’s your kitchen telling you it’s happy. Finally, add the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds more – don’t let it burn!

Simmering the Soup

Time for the potatoes to join the party! Dump them in along with the chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and that precious bay leaf. Crank the heat to high until it reaches a rolling boil – you’ll know it’s ready when big bubbles break the surface. Now reduce to a gentle simmer (medium-low should do it), partially cover, and let magic happen for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork but they still hold their shape – no mushy potatoes here!

Final Touches

Fish out the bay leaf (I’ve forgotten this step more times than I’d like to admit) and stir in the milk. Let it all cozy up together for another 5 minutes – this is when the flavors really get to know each other. Now’s the time to taste and adjust! Need more salt? A pinch more thyme? Go for it. If the soup seems too thick, splash in a little extra broth. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Ladle into bowls, grab some crusty bread, and prepare for pure comfort in every spoonful. Pro tip: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving – it thickens up perfectly!

Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup - detail 2

Tips for the Best Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup

After making this soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “wow!” Here are my can’t-miss tips:

Leftover ham is gold – That holiday spiral ham? Perfect! The smoky, cured flavor beats deli ham every time.
Thicken it up – Want it creamier? Make a quick roux with 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp flour before adding liquids.
Low and slow simmer – Don’t rush the potatoes! Gentle heat keeps them from breaking down too much.
Fresh herbs at the end – Stir in some chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a bright finish.
Broth control – The soup thickens as it sits, so have extra broth handy for leftovers.

Oh, and always – I mean always – taste before serving! Potatoes drink up salt like crazy, so you might need an extra pinch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap ingredients – no stress! This soup is wonderfully forgiving. Here are my favorite substitutions that still deliver amazing flavor:

No ham? Try diced turkey ham, cooked bacon, or even shredded chicken in a pinch.
Dairy-free? Swap the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk – it works beautifully.
Out of chicken broth? Vegetable broth makes a fine substitute, or use water with an extra teaspoon of salt.
Different potatoes? Russets work great (peel them first), or use red potatoes for firmer texture.
Fresh thyme missing? A teaspoon of dried rosemary or Italian seasoning adds lovely depth.

The beauty of this soup is how adaptable it is – make it yours with what you’ve got! Just keep the liquid-to-solid ratio about the same, and you’re golden.

Serving Suggestions for Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup

This soup practically begs to be paired with something dunkable! My family always fights over who gets the last piece of warm, crusty bread to sop up every last drop. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly – I love tossing together spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a quick lemon dressing. On chilly nights, we go all-in on comfort with a side of buttery grilled cheese sandwiches. Honestly? Sometimes I just grab a spoon and enjoy it straight from the pot – no judgment here!

Storage and Reheating

This soup gets even better as leftovers – the flavors mingle and deepen overnight! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, go low and slow – medium heat on the stovetop with an occasional stir prevents scorching. If it thickens too much, just whisk in a splash of broth or milk. For freezing, leave out the milk, then add it fresh when reheating. Frozen portions keep beautifully for 2-3 months – perfect for future cozy nights!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (based on 6 servings): 220 calories, 12g protein, and 25g carbs – with 3g fiber from all those good veggies! Keep in mind these numbers are estimates – they’ll dance around a bit depending on your specific ingredients (like how salty your ham is or if you use full-fat milk). I always say – good soup isn’t about counting, it’s about enjoying every last spoonful!

FAQs About Easy One Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Just skip the milk before freezing – it can separate when thawed. Freeze the base soup for up to 3 months, then stir in fresh milk when reheating. I like portioning it into freezer bags laid flat – they stack beautifully and thaw quicker.

How do I make it creamier?
Two tricks: First, mash some potatoes against the pot before adding milk – instant thickness! Or make a quick roux (1 tbsp each butter and flour cooked for 1 minute) before adding broth. For extra richness, swap half the milk for heavy cream.

Can I use different potatoes?
You bet! Yukon Golds are my favorite, but russets (peeled) make it extra creamy, while red potatoes hold their shape better. Just cut them evenly so everything cooks at the same rate.

Why is my soup too thin/thick?
Potatoes vary in starch content – if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered longer. Too thick? Add broth splash by splash. Remember, it thickens as it cools!

What if I don’t have ham?
No problem! Smoked sausage, cooked bacon, or even a Parmesan rind simmered in the broth adds great flavor. Vegetarian? Double the veggies and add a dash of smoked paprika.

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