Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole
There’s something so heartwarming about a meal that fills the kitchen with cozy, nostalgic aromas. On busy days, when everyone is coming and going, having a comforting dish ready to serve feels like a hug in a bowl. This particular recipe for Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole aligns perfectly with that notion. A blend of simple ingredients stews together slowly, creating a velvety texture and rich flavor that delights everyone at the table.
This is one of those dishes that becomes a household favorite, effortlessly combining convenience and comfort in one go. Best of all, it allows you to use leftover ham, making it a great choice for utilizing ingredients efficiently while feeding your family a scrumptious meal. In just a few hours, you’ll have a delightful casserole that will warm hearts and bellies alike.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need
To create this delightful casserole, a few kitchen tools can make your experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you will need:
- Crockpot: This is the hero of our recipe. It allows for slow cooking, which enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping your veggies and ham with ease.
- Mixing bowl: This will come in handy for mixing the creamy base of the casserole.
- Measuring cups: Precision is key when gathering your ingredients!
- Spatula: A trusty tool for spreading and layering your ingredients evenly.
These essentials make it simple to put together your casserole, turning your kitchen into a haven of home-cooked goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole isn’t just about filling up stomachs; it’s about nourishing the soul. Each bite offers a warm embrace of flavors that can transform a simple dinner into a treasured family tradition.
You’ll adore how it smells as it cooks, with the savory aroma wafting through the house, beckoning everyone to gather. The combination of tender potatoes, hearty ham, and hearty cheese creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but deeply comforting.
Here are a few key reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
- Flavor: The cream of mushroom soup combined with cheese melds into a luscious sauce that coats every layer.
- Flexibility: You can customize it using other proteins or vegetables based on what you have at home, making it versatile.
- Convenience: Once you layer everything in the crockpot, it does the work for you while you tend to your day, allowing for more quality time with loved ones.
This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings a sense of warmth and togetherness.
Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to whip up this delicious casserole:
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
These ingredients intermingle beautifully in the crockpot, creating a delectable and creamy casserole. Each element contributes to a texture and flavor profile that’s sure to leave everyone satisfied.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by layering the diced potatoes at the bottom of your crockpot. Their natural starches will help thicken the dish as they cook.
- Next, add the diced ham on top of the potatoes, distributing it evenly so every bite has that delicious flavor.
- Sprinkle the diced onions generously over the ham; their sweetness will infuse into the dish and caramelize beautifully during cooking.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth. This creamy mixture will drape over the layered ingredients, creating a comforting sauce.
- Pour the soup mixture over everything in the crockpot, making sure it covers the layers well.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into a gooey layer of goodness as it cooks.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it to your preference to enhance the flavors.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbling beautifully.
Fun Variations You Can Try
While this dish is amazing as is, there are so many ways to play around with it:
- Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in some frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and added nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or even mozzarella for a different cheese experience.
- Spice it Up: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Smoked Ham: Try using smoked ham or bacon for a deeper flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative that still tastes great.
These variations can suit different dietary needs or simply change things up for a new taste experience.
How I Love to Serve It
Plating this casserole is simple, allowing the comforting layers to shine. Serve it straight from the crockpot for a rustic feel, or scoop generous portions onto individual plates.
I love to garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and mild onion flavor that elevates the presentation. Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the hearty flavors of the casserole. The crunchiness of the salad contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the dish, creating an appealing plate.
Enjoying this meal with family or friends often turns into laughter and shared stories, as the aroma fills the air. It’s perfect for those cozy nights in when you want to feel connected over a meal full of warmth and love.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
As a home cook, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make this casserole even better:
- Make Ahead: You can prep your ingredients the night before, layering them in the crockpot and storing it in the fridge. Just switch it on in the morning!
- Fresh Herbs: Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme for added flavor. They do wonders in enhancing the savory notes.
- Stir Occasionally: If you’re cooking this on high, gently stir it about halfway through for even cooking.
- Taste Before Serving: Don’t forget to taste the casserole before serving. A pinch more salt or pepper can truly elevate the flavor.
These small tips can help enhance the overall outcome and create a dish that everyone will be raving about!
Important Cooking Reminders
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain creamy consistency.
- Safety Tips: Make sure the cooked potatoes are tender and the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
- Common Mistakes:
- Avoid overloading the crockpot; if it’s too full, the dish might cook unevenly.
- Don’t skip seasoning early on; it allows flavors to meld while cooking.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
While I recommend enjoying dishes like this in moderation, it’s good to know what to expect nutritionally. In a typical serving, you can anticipate:
- Approximately 350-400 calories
- 35 grams of carbohydrates
- 20 grams of fat
- 15 grams of protein
These are estimates and will vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they give a good overview of the casserole’s composition.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Common Questions You Might Have
Can I use raw potatoes instead of cooked?
Yes! If you’d prefer, you can slice raw potatoes and cook them in the crockpot. Just be sure to extend the cooking time until they are fork-tender. Cooking raw potatoes ensures they soak up all the delicious flavors.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after cooking. If freezing after cooking, allow it to cool completely, then seal in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven or crockpot on low until hot throughout.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or even crusty bread. The goal is to balance the hearty casserole with something light and crunchy to satisfy all textures on your plate.
Conclusion
As the weather turns chilly, there’s something particularly inviting about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing a meal that embodies comfort. This Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create memories and foster warmth. The creamy texture, the savory ham, and the satisfying potatoes blend harmoniously to transport you back to those cozy family dinners.
I invite you to give this recipe a try. Allow it to simmer in your kitchen while you catch up with your loved ones. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience, the laughter, and the memories made. Let the nourishing flavors wrap you in a warm hug that lasts long after the last bite has been savored.
Print
Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Layer the diced potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the diced ham evenly over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the diced onions over the ham.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 360-480 minutes, or high for 180-240 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Notes
Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Optional variations include using different cheeses or adding vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot, casserole, ham, potatoes, comfort food, family meal