Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole
Nothing beats a warm, hearty dinner after a long day. Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole combines tender ham, creamy potatoes, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Using a slow cooker makes preparation effortless while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food. You’ll love how the ham adds a savory depth while the potatoes soak up cheesy goodness. It’s easy to make, requires minimal hands-on time, and results in a creamy, flavorful meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Knowing the nutritional content helps you enjoy this indulgent dish responsibly. While rich in protein and comforting cheese, this casserole also includes hearty potatoes, making it a balanced and filling meal. Understanding the nutrition allows you to plan portions without sacrificing flavor.
- Calories: ~350
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
Time Breakdown
Timing is everything in slow-cooker meals. From prep and layering to slow-cooking, this breakdown helps you plan your day efficiently and ensures the potatoes are tender, the cheese is melted, and every bite is perfectly creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time (Crockpot): 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
- Total Time: ~4–5 hours
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. This casserole uses staple pantry items like ham, potatoes, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup to create a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Each ingredient contributes to the rich, creamy texture and hearty taste.
- 3 cups diced cooked ham
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Condensed Grocery Checklist
Having a concise shopping list saves time and keeps prep stress-free. This checklist ensures you have everything needed to make your casserole, from ham and potatoes to cheese and seasonings, so you can focus on assembling and cooking.
- Ham
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Garlic powder, salt, black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make – Step by Step
Breaking the recipe into clear steps makes it approachable for cooks of all skill levels. From layering the ingredients to mixing the soup and cheese and slow-cooking the casserole, this step-by-step guide ensures even cooking and maximum flavor.
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly grease the crockpot with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer Ingredients: Add diced potatoes and onions as the base. Sprinkle half of the diced ham on top.
- Mix Cheese and Soup: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the ham and potatoes. Top with remaining ham and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy warm.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
One of the best things about casseroles is their versatility. This section explores easy substitutions and variations, like different soups, cheeses, or added vegetables so you can customize the dish to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Soup Options: Substitute cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Use pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, peas, or broccoli can add color and nutrients.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese and milk substitutes.
Serving Suggestions
Casseroles are versatile, and this one pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal. This section provides ideas to elevate your presentation and make mealtime more enjoyable.
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a lighter meal.
- Add crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storing Tips
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers safely. Whether refrigerating or freezing, these tips help maintain the creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and tenderness of the potatoes for days or weeks after cooking.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong if key steps are overlooked. This section highlights common mistakes,like uneven potato cuts, skipping the cheese layer, or not mixing the soup and milk, that can affect texture and flavor, ensuring your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
- Overcooking Potatoes: Dice potatoes evenly to ensure they cook through without becoming mushy.
- Skipping Cheese Layer: Cheese adds creaminess and flavor—don’t skip it!
- Not Mixing Soup and Milk: Mixing before adding ensures even creaminess throughout the casserole.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small techniques make a big difference in slow-cooker recipes. From sautéing onions to cutting potatoes evenly, these chef tips ensure your casserole is creamy, flavorful, and visually appealing, giving it a restaurant-quality touch at home.
- Cut potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
- For extra flavor, sauté onions lightly before adding to the crockpot.
Conclusion
Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is the ultimate easy, cheesy comfort dinner. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy nights, family meals, or cozy weekends. Grab your ingredients and start your crockpot tonight—your family will thank you for this warm, comforting meal! Don’t forget to share your homemade casserole and favorite twists in the comments below.