This Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. With just a few minutes of prep, this hearty casserole comes together beautifully in the crockpot, making it ideal for busy days or easy family meals. Let the slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a delicious, warming dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy Prep: Just chop, mix, and layer in the crockpot, and let it do the work!
Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and makes a filling meal for the whole family.
Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Kid-Friendly: With tender potatoes, cheese, and mild flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with all ages.
Key Ingredients:
Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. Here’s a closer look at each one, with tips for the best results.
Diced Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe. They hold their shape well during slow cooking and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Diced Ham: Ham adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor. Leftover ham is perfect here, but you can also use pre-diced ham for convenience.
Onion: A finely chopped small onion adds depth and sweetness to the dish. Yellow or white onions work well.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This soup forms the base of the sauce, adding creaminess and mild umami flavor. You can substitute with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings a sharp, cheesy flavor that melts into the casserole. Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste.
Milk: Milk helps thin the sauce slightly, making it creamy but not overly thick.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy richness to the sauce, enhancing the flavor without overpowering it.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the ham and cheese.
Salt, Black Pepper, and Paprika: Basic seasonings to bring out the flavors and add a touch of warmth and smokiness.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): Parsley adds a touch of freshness and color, making the dish look as good as it tastes.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole
1. Prepare the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine diced potatoes, diced ham, and chopped onion. This mixture serves as the base of the casserole, providing heartiness and flavor.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce will bring rich flavors and help bind the ingredients.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spray the Crockpot: Generously spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Layer the Ingredients: Start by adding half of the potato and ham mixture to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour half of the sauce over this layer, spreading it evenly. Repeat with the remaining potato and ham mixture, followed by the rest of the sauce. Layering ensures even cooking and sauce distribution.
4. Cook
Cover and Set: Place the lid on the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the potatoes will become tender and infused with the creamy sauce.
5. Serve
Stir and Garnish: Gently stir the casserole to ensure the sauce is mixed well with the potatoes and ham. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a touch of color and fresh flavor.
Enjoy: Serve the casserole hot with a side of green vegetables or a simple salad for a comforting, hearty meal.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole:
Chop Ingredients Evenly: For even cooking, dice the potatoes and ham into similar-sized pieces.
Use High-Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings the best flavor to the sauce. Grate your own cheese if possible for a smoother, creamier melt.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before layering and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Ham can be salty, so go easy on the salt initially.
Check for Doneness: If using a different type of potato or if your crockpot runs hot, check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
Variations:
This casserole is easy to customize! Here are some variations to try:
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans to add more color and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Cheese Swap: Try mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.
Herb Variation: Add a sprinkle of thyme, rosemary, or chives for an aromatic twist.
Storage and Reheating:
This casserole is just as delicious the next day and reheats well!
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in portions for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is comfort food at its best. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty—everything you want in a warm, cozy meal. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s a great recipe to have on hand for busy days or family dinners. This casserole will leave everyone satisfied and is sure to become a go-to favorite!
Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
