There’s nothing quite like a hearty, cheesy casserole to bring warmth and comfort to your table. This Creamy Ham and Potato Casserole is the epitome of classic comfort food – rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It’s not just a delicious meal; it’s also a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham, transforming it into a brand-new family favorite that’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. With tender potatoes, savory ham, and a luscious creamy, cheesy sauce, this bake is guaranteed to become a cherished staple in your recipe rotation, perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Casserole

This ham and potato casserole stands out for several compelling reasons, making it an irresistible choice for any home cook. Its remarkable ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights when time is short but a wholesome meal is desired. The harmonious blend of classic, comforting flavors ensures it’s a universal crowd-pleaser, appealing to adults and children alike. Beyond its delicious taste, this casserole offers incredible versatility, allowing you to easily adapt it to your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you might have on hand. It truly embodies a satisfying, wholesome meal that feels like a warm, culinary embrace.

3.56 from 9 votes

Creamy Ham and Potato Casserole

By: Julia Pacheco

This rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying creamy ham and potato casserole is the perfect solution for transforming leftover ham into a delightful family meal that’s both easy to prepare and profoundly comforting. It’s a hearty dish that promises warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 40 mins

Total: 50 mins

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

To create this delightfully rich and creamy casserole, you’ll need just a few simple and readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so incredibly irresistible and satisfying.

• 28 oz bag Potatoes O’Brien: These convenient frozen diced potatoes, complete with bell peppers and onions, are a fantastic shortcut. If you prefer using fresh potatoes, simply peel and dice about 4-5 medium potatoes, then par-cook them slightly (boil or steam for 5-7 minutes) before adding to ensure they cook thoroughly in the casserole.
• 8 oz cubed ham: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham, giving it a delicious second life! Alternatively, you can use a pre-cooked ham steak or high-quality deli ham, cut into small cubes.
• ¾ cup sour cream: Sour cream contributes a wonderful tangy creaminess and a rich, luxurious texture to the sauce. Both full-fat and light sour cream varieties will work beautifully, depending on your preference.
• 10 oz can cream of chicken soup: This pantry staple forms the flavorful base of our creamy sauce, providing a savory depth and helping to bind all the ingredients together seamlessly. As a substitute, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can also be used.
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese: Colby Jack is an excellent melting cheese that offers a mild, buttery flavor, enhancing the overall cheesiness of the casserole. Remember to divide this into two equal ½-cup portions: one for mixing into the casserole and one for sprinkling over the top.
• ¼ cup tomato salsa: A surprising yet brilliant ingredient that introduces a wonderful layer of zest, a hint of acidity, and a subtle spice, significantly elevating the casserole’s overall flavor profile. You can choose mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your desired level of heat.

Instructions

Follow these straightforward and easy-to-understand steps to assemble and bake your incredibly delicious and comforting ham and potato casserole, ensuring a perfect result every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 375°F (190°C). Allowing the oven to reach the correct temperature beforehand is crucial for ensuring that your casserole bakes evenly and cooks through perfectly from the very start, resulting in a golden-brown, bubbly finish.

2. Combine the Hearty Ingredients: In a large, spacious mixing bowl, combine the thawed Potatoes O’Brien, the savory cubed ham, the creamy sour cream, the rich cream of chicken soup, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese (which is ½ cup), and the zesty tomato salsa. Take your time to stir everything together thoroughly and gently until all the ingredients are well-distributed throughout the mixture and uniformly coated with the creamy sauce. This meticulous mixing ensures that every single bite of your casserole is packed with an even burst of delicious flavor and texture.

3. Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection: Lightly spray a large casserole dish (a standard 9×13 inch baking dish is typically perfect for this recipe) with a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully pour the well-mixed casserole mixture into the prepared dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly across the bottom. Next, generously sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Colby Jack cheese over the entire top surface of the casserole. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until you observe the casserole bubbling vigorously around the edges and the cheese on top has achieved a beautiful, appealing golden-brown hue and is perfectly melted. If you desire an extra crispy, slightly browned topping, you can carefully broil it for the last minute or two, but watch it very closely to prevent burning.

4. Rest and Serve with Joy: Once the casserole is baked to perfection, carefully remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This short resting period is vital as it allows the hot casserole to set slightly, which makes it much easier to portion neatly without it falling apart. Now, it’s time to dig in and savor this ultimate, comforting dish that you’ve just created!

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Please note that the following nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used and precise preparation methods.

• Calories: 507kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 93mg
• Sodium: 1600mg
• Potassium: 738mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 804IU
• Vitamin C: 17mg
• Calcium: 304mg
• Iron: 3mg

Tips for the Perfect Ham and Potato Casserole Every Time

Achieve casserole perfection with these helpful tips designed to ensure your dish is consistently delicious and reaches its full potential:

• Thaw Frozen Potatoes Completely: If you are using frozen Potatoes O’Brien, it’s essential to ensure they are mostly thawed before you begin mixing them into the casserole. Thawing helps them cook more evenly in the oven and prevents excess moisture from making your casserole watery or soggy.
• Avoid Overmixing the Ingredients: While thorough mixing is important for even distribution of flavors, be careful not to overmix the casserole. Excessive stirring can cause the potatoes to break down too much, leading to a mushy texture rather than distinct, tender potato pieces.
• Cover if Browning Too Fast: Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. If you notice the cheese on top is browning too quickly before the casserole is thoroughly bubbly and cooked through, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. This prevents scorching while allowing the casserole to finish cooking.
• Allow to Rest Before Serving: Once you remove the casserole from the oven, resist the urge to immediately serve it. Allowing the casserole to sit and rest for 5-10 minutes helps the sauce to thicken slightly and settle, which results in cleaner, more defined portions when you scoop it out.
• Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: Before baking, if safe to taste (check for raw ingredients like potatoes), sample a small amount of the mixture and adjust seasonings like black pepper as needed. Remember that the ham and canned soup often contribute a significant amount of salt, so taste first before adding more.

Delicious Variations and Creative Substitutions

This creamy ham and potato casserole is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to customize to your personal preferences or to utilize ingredients you already have on hand. Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful ideas:

• Explore Different Cheeses: Don’t limit yourself to Colby Jack! Experiment with a variety of melting cheeses like sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor, Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, Gruyere for a sophisticated nutty note, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to create a unique profile.
• Boost with Extra Vegetables: Enhance both the nutritional value and textural variety of your casserole by incorporating more vegetables. Frozen peas, sweet corn, finely chopped steamed broccoli florets, or fresh spinach can be easily folded into the mix.
• Introduce a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or some finely diced jalapeños (seeded for less heat) to the casserole mixture before baking.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For an irresistible textural contrast, prepare a crispy topping. Mix some crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon or two of melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese before the final baking.
• Alternate Cream Soups: If cream of chicken soup isn’t available or preferred, cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can be substituted without significantly altering the casserole’s creamy consistency.
• Craft a Homemade Cream Sauce: For a completely scratch-made alternative, you can prepare a simple béchamel sauce. Melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until thickened and smooth. Use this homemade sauce in place of the canned soup for a richer flavor.

What to Serve with Your Hearty Ham and Potato Casserole

While this rich and hearty casserole can certainly stand alone as a complete meal, pairing it with a light and fresh side can create a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying dinner experience. Consider these delicious accompaniments:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, vibrant green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich, creamy flavors of the casserole. It helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple, clean-tasting vegetables are an excellent choice. Think perfectly steamed green beans or asparagus, or beautifully roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli. These add a healthy, colorful, and fresh element to your plate.
• Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm, crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls are absolutely ideal for soaking up any remaining creamy sauce from your plate, ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste.
• Light Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of a homemade or store-bought coleslaw can provide a delightful and refreshing complement to the savory richness of the casserole, adding a different texture and flavor dimension.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Meal Prep

This ham and potato casserole not only tastes fantastic fresh but also makes for excellent leftovers, and it’s a superb candidate for efficient meal prepping. Here’s how to store and freeze it effectively:

• Refrigeration for Leftovers: Any leftover casserole should be transferred to an airtight container and promptly stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
• Reheating Individual Portions: For individual servings, reheat them gently in the microwave until they are thoroughly warmed through. If reheating a larger quantity, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s bubbly and heated through, adding a splash of milk or broth if the casserole appears a little dry.
• Freezing a Baked Casserole: If you want to freeze a completely baked casserole, allow it to cool down to room temperature first. Then, cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label and date it, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed above.
• Freezing an Unbaked Casserole: This casserole can also be assembled without baking and frozen for future convenience. Prepare the casserole as instructed up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole completely in the refrigerator before placing it in the oven and baking as directed, though you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time since it’s starting from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen Potatoes O’Brien?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, you’ll need about 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced into similar small cubes. For the best results and to ensure they cook through properly, I recommend par-boiling or steaming them until they are just tender (approximately 5-7 minutes) before you incorporate them into the casserole mixture. This step is crucial to prevent hard or undercooked potatoes in your final dish.

What if I don’t have Colby Jack cheese on hand?

No problem at all! This casserole is very forgiving when it comes to cheese choices. Any good melting cheese will work beautifully and provide a delicious result. Excellent alternatives include sharp or mild cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, a readily available Mexican cheese blend, or even mozzarella, all of which will offer slightly different yet equally delicious flavor profiles and excellent meltability.

Will the addition of salsa make this casserole too spicy?

The recipe specifically calls for tomato salsa, which typically contributes a mild, tangy, and savory layer of flavor rather than significant heat, especially if you opt for a mild variety. If you prefer a more pronounced spice level, you can certainly choose a medium or hot salsa, or even enhance it further with a pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to your taste.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time for convenience?

You certainly can! This casserole is a fantastic option for making ahead. You can fully assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. If you’re baking it directly from the refrigerator (when cold), you might need to extend the baking time by an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through completely and evenly.

How will I know when my casserole is perfectly cooked?

The best way to tell if your casserole is fully cooked is by observing a few key indicators. Look for vigorous bubbling around the edges of the dish, confirming that the internal temperature is high enough. The creamy sauce should appear thick and luscious, and the cheese on top should be beautifully golden brown and thoroughly melted. For an added check, you can gently poke one of the potato pieces with a fork to ensure it is tender and cooked through.

This Creamy Ham and Potato Casserole is far more than just a simple meal; it’s a heartwarming celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony to create something truly special and memorable. Whether you’re tasked with feeding your family, hosting a casual gathering with friends, or simply yearning for a profoundly comforting and easy-to-make dish, this recipe promises to deliver on all fronts, consistently exceeding expectations. Give it a try soon, and you might just discover that this becomes your new favorite go-to casserole for any occasion!