Old Fashioned Ham and Potato Casserole
This old fashioned ham and potato casserole is a classic comfort food dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, tender chunks of ham, and a rich, creamy sauce. This hearty, filling will satisfy the whole family!
Table of Contents
Making homemade scalloped potatoes and ham with fresh tomatoes can lead to uneven cooking. This recipe, because it’s made with layers of potatoes, and in a square baking pan, the potatoes bake evenly. This means you get perfectly cooked potatoes in every bite, without any mushy or underdone spots.
If you love potatoes, then you’ll definitely want to try my potato pancake recipe. And for another hearty casserole option, my bacon potato casserole is packed with flavor and is super easy to make.
This recipe was found in a 1965 cookbook that includes all casseroles. The combination of ham and potatoes sounded delicious to me which is why I was excited to test this recipe.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: This old fashioned casserole is a hit with the whole family. Its hearty, comforting flavors are just what you need on a chilly evening.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. It’s a quick casserole to put together, especially if you have some leftover ham on hand.
- Great Use of Leftover Ham: I love how this recipe is one of the best uses of leftover ham, a lot like my Ham and Bean Soup.
- Comfort Food: There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, and it always hits the spot.
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Key Ingredients
- Onion: This will add a delicious, subtle flavor to the casserole.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: It will give the casserole a creamy and rich texture.
- Salt and Pepper: These will help to season the dish, bringing out all the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Potatoes: They are the main star of the casserole, providing a hearty and satisfying base.
- Ham: This will add a savory, meaty flavor to the dish, and it pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
- Cheddar Cheese: It will melt beautifully on top of the casserole, adding a gooey, cheesy layer that everyone will love.
Equipment
- 9×9 Square Pan – You’ll need this to layer the potatoes, ham, and cheese, and bake the casserole in the oven.
- Small Saucepan – This is for heating the cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Old Fashioned Ham and Potato Casserole
Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 350˚ F and greasing a 9×9 square baking pan. This will make sure that your casserole doesn’t stick to the pan and bakes evenly.
Step 1 – Prepare the Soup Mixture
Combine the chopped onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat until the onions are tender. Be careful and watch it closely, as the milk has a tendency to boil over.
Step 2 – Layer the Potatoes, Ham, and Cheese
Next, slice your potatoes into thin slices. Now, layer ⅓ of the potatoes, ⅓ of the ham, and a ¼ cup of cheese in your greased baking pan. Repeat this layer two more times.
Step 3 – Add the Soup Mixture and Cheese
After layering the potatoes, pour the soup mixture over the top of the layers in the baking pan. Then, top it off with another ¼ cup of cheese.
Step 4 – Bake the Casserole
Cover your casserole pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake it for 30 minutes, then uncover it and bake for another 30 minutes.
Step 5 – Let it Cool and Serve
Once the casserole is done, let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This will help it set and make it easier to serve. After it has cooled, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious old fashioned ham and potato casserole!
Expert Tip
To make the best old fashioned ham and potato casserole, use Yukon gold potatoes and avoid peeling them. Their thin skin works perfectly in this recipe, and it saves you time and adds a rustic touch to the dish.
Recipe Variations
- Different Soup: You can try using cream of chicken or cream of celery soup in the recipe instead of cream of mushroom. This will give the casserole a different flavor while still keeping it creamy and delicious.
- Meat Substitute: The recipe calls for ham, but you can easily substitute it with other meats like hamburger meat. This is a great way to use up leftover meats from other meals.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with the type of cheese you use. While the recipe calls for cheddar, you can try mozzarella for a more gooey, stringy texture.
What to Serve With
- This old fashioned ham and potato casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it with a side of sautéed green beans or an easy fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- If you’re hosting a brunch, this casserole makes a great addition to the menu. Pair it with some flaky buttermilk biscuits and fresh fruit for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- For a quick and easy lunch, simply reheat a portion of this casserole and serve it with a side of French garlic bread. The flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the casserole and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours in advance. Once you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed in the recipe, adding a few more minutes to the baking time.
Recipe FAQs
You can use any type of ham for this recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham from a previous meal. You can also easily substitute it with other meats like hamburger meat. This is a great way to use up leftover meats from other meals.
Yes, you can. Cream of chicken or cream of celery would work well in this recipe. It’s a versatile dish, so feel free to get creative with the soup flavor.
It’s not necessary to peel the potatoes if you prefer the added texture and rustic look of the peels. Just make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before slicing. I recommend going with Yukon Gold potatoes since their skin is very thin and works beautifully in this recipe.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: After enjoying this delicious casserole, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Simply place them in an airtight container. They should keep well for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: It also freezes very well. Once it has cooled, you can transfer it to a freezer-safe dish or container. Freezing individual servings will make it easier to reheat later as well. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Thaw: To thaw, simply move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator. Let it thaw for about 24 hours.
- Reheating: Once thawed, reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350˚F for about 20-25 minutes. If you’re reheating a single serving, the microwave works well too.
More Potato Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This old-fashioned ham and potato casserole recipe yields a hearty casserole dish, perfect for serving a family of six.
- How to Scale: If you’re expecting more guests or want leftovers, you can easily double the recipe. Make sure to use a larger casserole dish to accommodate the increased quantity. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure that the casserole is heated through.
Old Fashioned Ham and Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon onion diced
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 soup can of milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
- 6 medium potatoes sliced thin and peeled
- 2 Cups ham sliced into bite size pieces
- 1 Cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Grease a 9×9 square baking pan.
- Combine the onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt and pepper in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until onions are tender. Watch carefully, as the milk can boil over.
- Slice the potatoes into very thin slices.
- Layer ⅓ the potatoes, ⅓ the ham and ¼ Cup cheese. Repeat layers 2 more times.
- Pour the soup mixture over the top of the layers. Top with ¼ Cup cheese.
- Cover casserole pan with aluminum foil and bake at 350˚ F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 30 minutes more.
- Let cool for at least 15 minutes and then serve.
Great recipe we loved it
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s a new family favorite of ours.