How to Make the Best Ham and Potato Casserole for Dinner

What’s the secret to a comforting, one-dish meal that satisfies every time? For me, it’s a hearty casserole that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender, flavorful ingredients. And what better way to bring those flavors together than with a Ham and Potato Casserole? 

This Ham and Potato Casserole recipe is the greatest comfort food. The layers of tender potatoes, savory ham, creamy sauce, and melted cheese create a perfect harmony of flavors. What’s more? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and bake in under an hour. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover ham and create a meal that everyone will love!

How to Make Ham and Potato Casserole?

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• • 4 medium potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
  • 2 cups cooked ham (cubed)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the casserole dish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.

2. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into even rounds. It’s important to slice them thinly so they cook evenly and become tender during baking.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until evenly incorporated.

4. Begin by layering the sliced potatoes at the bottom of your greased casserole dish. Once the potatoes are in, add a layer of cubed ham on top. Then, pour a portion of the creamy soup mixture over the ham. Repeat the process, layering the potatoes, ham, and soup mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with the soup mixture on top.

5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. For an extra flavor boost, dust the top with paprika (optional). The cheese will melt and create a delicious, golden crust.

6. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. The casserole should be hot and bubbly when finished.

7. Once the casserole is done, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your comforting, creamy Ham and Potato Casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Ham and Potato Casserole

• To make the casserole even heartier, consider adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli. These vegetables add color and nutrition, plus they pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• If you don’t have leftover ham, you can use cooked chicken, bacon, or even turkey. Each option brings a different flavor but will still work wonderfully in the casserole.
• While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses to change up the flavor profile.
• If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or green chilies to spice things up. A dash of hot sauce in the creamy sauce can also add a kick.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version and ensure your sour cream and milk are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe

Ham and Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that has everything: flavor, comfort, and versatility. The creamy base pairs wonderfully with the richness of the ham, and the potatoes become perfectly tender in the oven. It’s a dish that’s so satisfying, it’ll become a staple on your dinner table. 

Not only is it delicious, but this recipe is also highly adaptable. You can customize the ingredients to your preference, add veggies, or try different cheeses. It’s truly a versatile dish that can be made to fit your family’s tastes. And best of all, it’s a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup!

Health Benefits of Ham and Potato Casserole

• Potatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They’re also naturally low in fat and can be part of a balanced diet.
• Ham provides a good amount of protein, which helps with muscle building and tissue repair. It's also rich in B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and metabolism.
• Cheese adds a delicious creamy element while providing calcium, which is important for bone health, as well as protein and vitamins A and D.

Make Your Ham and Potato Casserole Today!

This Ham and Potato Casserole will be your go-to comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to please everyone around the table.

Don’t forget, this recipe can be made ahead of time and even frozen for later use. So, if you find yourself with leftover ham, this casserole is the perfect way to use it. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your household!

Kitchen Tools You Need

• Casserole dish: A 9x13-inch casserole dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Sharp knife: To slice the potatoes and vegetables evenly.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing the creamy sauce and combining ingredients.
• Cutting board: To chop the potatoes, ham, and vegetables.

Make sure you have the right tools on hand to create this comforting casserole. Check out our kitchen collection to shop for high-quality kitchen essentials!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns or pre-sliced frozen potatoes. Be sure to thaw them before using and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or make your own white sauce from scratch using butter, flour, and milk.

Can I freeze Ham and Potato Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen for about 1.5 hours at 375°F.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. You can test the potatoes by poking them with a fork.

Can I make this casserole without cheese?

If you're avoiding cheese, you can omit it and instead, top the casserole with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added texture.

What kind of ham should I use?

Use leftover cooked ham, such as from a holiday meal. You can also use deli ham or a pre-cooked ham steak if needed. Just ensure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces.