Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole: Comfort Food Made Easy Recipe
This Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole is the ultimate midweek comfort meal that combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish. Slow-cooked to perfection, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand and delivers a cozy, hearty dinner that’s versatile, fuss-free, and packed with nostalgic warmth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Ham
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 3 cups diced ham (leftover or ham steak, bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for lighter option)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-ins
- Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas (optional, for color and extra veggies)
Instructions
- Prep potatoes: Rinse, peel, and slice the russet potatoes about a quarter inch thick. This ensures even cooking and softness in the middle.
- Layer ingredients: Place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle half of the diced ham and chopped onions evenly over the potatoes. Scatter half of the minced garlic, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Repeat layers: Add another layer with the remaining potatoes, ham, onions, and garlic. Press down gently to help create an even casserole.
- Add liquids: Pour the chicken broth evenly over the layers, then drizzle the cream or milk on top to keep the dish moist and creamy as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add cheese topping: About 10 minutes before serving, uncover and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Allow it to melt and turn golden.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the melted cheese for a fresh herbal note and visual appeal. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Peel and slice potatoes a day ahead; store them submerged in water in the fridge to reduce prep time on cooking day.
- Pre-chop ham and aromatics, storing them in labeled bags for easy assembly.
- Pre-measure spices and cheese into containers to streamline the cooking process.
- Use a crockpot liner or spray the crockpot with nonstick spray for effortless cleanup.
- You can swap heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter texture or vice versa for richness.
- Frozen vegetables can be added 30 minutes before the end of cooking to retain their texture and color.
- Leftover casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in microwave or under a broiler for a crispy top.
Keywords: crockpot ham casserole, slow cooker potato casserole, ham and cheese casserole, easy comfort food, one pot dinner
