Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole

Discover the comfort of home-cooked flavors with this Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole. Perfectly suited for a busy lifestyle, this recipe combines convenience with deliciousness. Simply layer shredded hashbrowns, savory ham, and creamy onion soup in your crockpot, then top with cheddar cheese and herbed stuffing for a rich, satisfying meal.

The slow cooking process melds the flavors into a delightful harmony, resulting in a warm and hearty dish that’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Enjoy the ease and taste of this comforting casserole, a true testament to simple yet flavorful cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Convenience and Ease: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and ingredients that are simply layered in a crockpot. It’s perfect for busy individuals or families looking for a hassle-free meal that practically cooks itself.

Comforting and Hearty: With its creamy texture and savory flavors, this casserole provides a comforting and hearty meal that warms both the heart and stomach. It’s the kind of dish that evokes feelings of home and satisfaction.

Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of diced ham, cheesy goodness, and herbed stuffing mix creates a savory, rich flavor profile. The cream of onion soup adds depth, while the sour cream lends a tangy creaminess that makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

Great for Gatherings: This casserole is ideal for feeding a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, and its generous portions ensure there’s plenty to go around.

Versatile and Adaptable: While delicious as is, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit personal preferences. You can add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition or experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor.

Key Ingredients:

Shredded Frozen Hashbrowns: These form the base of the casserole, providing a hearty and starchy component that absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients as they cook together.

Diced Ham: Adding a savory, meaty element, the diced ham infuses the dish with its rich flavor, making it both filling and flavorful.

Cream of Onion Soup: This canned soup contributes a creamy texture and a depth of onion flavor that complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.

Onion Soup Mix: This mix brings a punch of savory seasoning, adding layers of flavor that meld beautifully with the ham and potatoes.

Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy, creamy richness to the dish, balancing the savory elements and adding to the casserole’s creamy consistency.

Herbed Stuffing Mix: Topping the dish, the herbed stuffing mix provides a crunchy texture and aromatic flavor, enhancing the casserole with its herb-infused bread crumbs.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melted over the casserole, cheddar cheese adds a gooey, cheesy layer that ties all the ingredients together, offering a satisfying and comforting finish.

Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

30 oz. Shredded frozen hashbrowns

1 lb. Diced ham

1 Can Cream of onion soup

1 Packet onion soup mix

1 C. Sour cream

¼ C. Melted butter unsalted

6 oz. Pepperidge Farm herbed stuffing mix

2 C. Shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Mix the Main Ingredients: In your crockpot, combine the frozen hashbrowns, diced ham, onion soup mix, cream of onion soup, and sour cream. Stir everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Add Cheese: Spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the ham and potato mixture, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

Layer the Stuffing: Carefully layer the herbed stuffing mix over the cheese, distributing it evenly.

Drizzle with Butter: Pour the melted butter over the stuffing layer, allowing it to soak through and add richness.

Cook in the Crockpot: Secure the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on high for about 4 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to cook through.

Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and serve the casserole hot, enjoying its creamy and savory flavors.

This Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is an easy-to-make dish that combines hearty potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy texture, perfect for a comforting meal.

Notes:

Hashbrown Tips: If using frozen hashbrowns, there’s no need to thaw them before adding to the crockpot. This saves time and helps the hashbrowns maintain their texture during cooking.

Ham Alternatives: You can substitute diced ham with cooked bacon or leftover roast chicken for a different protein option, adding variety to the dish while maintaining its heartiness.

Soup Variations: While cream of onion soup is recommended for its flavor, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as an alternative. Each will bring a slightly different taste profile to the casserole.

Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

Herb Enhancements: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the stuffing mix or directly into the casserole mixture.

Texture Adjustments: If you prefer a crunchier topping, consider toasting the herbed stuffing mix in a skillet with a little butter before adding it to the crockpot.

Best Mexican White Cheese Dip

Serrano Chiles And Cilantro

Cheesy Bacon Potatoes

Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables, adding a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy dish.

Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes as a substitute.

Simply peel and shred the potatoes, then rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.

Pat them dry before adding them to the crockpot.

Keep in mind that using fresh potatoes may slightly alter the cooking time.

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

When you’re ready to cook, simply place the insert in the crockpot and proceed with the cooking instructions.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers.

Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What can I use as a substitute for cream of onion soup?

If you don’t have cream of onion soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as alternatives.

Each option will add a slightly different flavor but will still provide the creamy consistency needed for the casserole.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and replace the cream of onion soup with a vegetarian-friendly cream soup.

You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?

To avoid a watery casserole, ensure that any excess moisture is removed from the hashbrowns before adding them to the crockpot.

If you’re using frozen hashbrowns, there’s usually no need to thaw them—just add them directly to the crockpot.

Additionally, using the correct amount of soup and sour cream will help maintain the right consistency.

Can I cook this recipe on low instead of high?

Yes, you can cook the casserole on low.

If you choose to cook it on low, extend the cooking time to about 6-8 hours.

This slower cooking method can enhance the melding of flavors, making the dish even more flavorful.

What if my cheese doesn’t melt properly?

To ensure the cheese melts smoothly, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Also, make sure the cheese is evenly distributed over the hot ingredients to help it melt uniformly.

How can I make the stuffing topping crispier?

For a crispier stuffing topping, consider toasting the stuffing mix in a skillet with a little butter before adding it on top of the casserole.

This pre-toasting step will give you a head start on achieving a crispy texture during the slow cooking process.

Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers.

Simply chop them into small pieces and mix them in with the hashbrowns and ham before cooking.

This is a great way to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.