Whenever I have leftover ham, this is one of the first recipes I make.
It’s one of those simple casseroles that comes together in just a few minutes, bakes while you take care of everything else, and always disappears fast at our house. Creamy potatoes, savory ham, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese make this the kind of comfort food everyone looks forward to.
Even if you don’t have leftover holiday ham, don’t skip this recipe. Diced ham steaks are usually affordable, and this meal stretches them into a hearty dinner the whole family can enjoy without spending a fortune.
If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s filling, family-friendly, and made with everyday ingredients, this casserole is a great one to keep in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great way to use leftover ham
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Family favorite
- Easy to prepare
- Perfect for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- Creamy, cheesy comfort food
Ingredients
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen diced hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
Optional Crunchy Topping
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Ingredient Tips
Hash Browns: Thawing the potatoes helps the casserole cook evenly and keeps it nice and creamy.
Ham: Leftover ham works perfectly, but diced ham steak is a great budget-friendly option any time of year.
Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts best, but pre-shredded works just fine for busy nights.
How to Make Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Hash browns
- Ham
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Salt (if using)
Step 3
Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 6
If using the crunchy topping, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
Step 7
Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
Step 8
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Budget Tips
- Buy ham after the holidays and freeze it in meal-sized portions.
- Watch for sales on shredded cheese and stock up.
- Add frozen broccoli or peas to stretch the casserole even further.
- Skip the cracker topping if you’re keeping the grocery bill as low as possible.
Easy Swaps
- Cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken
- Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese
- Frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition
- Crushed cornflakes instead of crackers for the topping
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble it before baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
Frozen hash browns make this recipe much easier, but you can use cooked, diced potatoes if you have leftovers.
What should I serve with it?
This casserole pairs well with:
- Green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Side salad
- Dinner rolls
More Budget-Friendly Dinners
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love:
- Creamy Ranch Chicken & Rice Bake
- Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake
- One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta
- Garlic Butter Sausage & Potatoes
- Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Roasted Green Beans
Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole
Description
This Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole is a creamy, comforting family dinner made with diced ham, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and simple pantry staples. It's budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftover ham.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine: Hash browns, Ham, Cream of chicken soup, Sour cream, Milk, 1½ cups cheddar cheese, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Black pepper, Salt (if using)
-
Stir until everything is evenly coated.
-
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
-
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
-
If using the crunchy topping, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
-
Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
-
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Note
Buy ham after the holidays and freeze it in meal-sized portions.
Watch for sales on shredded cheese and stock up.
Add frozen broccoli or peas to stretch the casserole even further.
Skip the cracker topping if you're keeping the grocery bill as low as possible.
