Yields: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low setting) or 2-3 hours (high setting)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice)
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Optional Topping: 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes
- Garnish: Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot:
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Place half of the cubed potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add half of the cubed ham and half of the chopped onion over the potatoes.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ham, and onion.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken/mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk or cream, black pepper, and any optional spices (garlic powder, onion powder). Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Optional Topping (Browning):
- If desired, about 30 minutes before serving, you can add a crispy topping. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and bread crumbs/cornflakes.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
- To brown the top you can remove the lid and place the crock pot under your ovens broiler for a few minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for added freshness.
- Serve hot.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese: Feel free to use other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Ham: This recipe is perfect for using leftover ham from holidays or meals.
- Potatoes: Ensure your potato pieces are of a similar size to promote even cooking.
- Frozen potatoes: If you opt for using frozen cubed potatoes, the cooking time could be reduced slightly.
- Extra flavor: add seasonings such as thyme or rosemary.