We’ve always loved the comforting simplicity of ham casserole, a hearty dish that’s become a staple in American kitchens for turning leftovers into something magical. Picture tender ham mingling with cheesy veggies in your crockpot, creating flavors that fill the house with warmth on chilly evenings.
It’s perfect for busy families like ours who want easy, set-it-and-forget-it meals. Our ham casserole recipes promise minimal prep and maximum taste, making weeknight dinners a breeze without sacrificing that homemade goodness.
Ingredients
As we prepare our flavorful Ham Casserole Recipes Crockpot, we’ll focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that blend seamlessly for a hearty, comforting meal. Below, we list them in the order they’re typically added to the crockpot, with prep notes for precision.
- 2 cups diced ham: Use leftover cooked ham for the best flavor; dice into ½-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- 4 medium potatoes: Opt for Yukon Gold for their creamy texture; peel and slice into ¼-inch rounds to layer easily at the base.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Thaw slightly before adding for quicker integration; they provide a sweet, vibrant pop of color and nutrition.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for bold taste; shred fresh to avoid additives and ensure it melts smoothly.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: Select low-sodium if watching salt intake; this forms the creamy base when stirred in.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Use yellow onion for its mild sweetness; finely chop to release flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ½ cup milk: Whole milk works best for richness; measure it out to adjust the soup’s consistency as needed.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Add this for an aromatic boost; it’s a simple way to enhance the ham’s savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for maximum zest; sprinkle to taste for a subtle, warming kick.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: This herb ties everything together; crush lightly between fingers before adding for intensified aroma.
Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly transform our listed ingredients into a hearty crockpot ham casserole, we rely on essential tools that ensure safe, efficient preparation and cooking. Selecting the right equipment not only simplifies the process but also guarantees even cooking for that tender, flavorful result.
Here’s a curated list of the must-have tools, organized by category for clarity:
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker): The centerpiece of our recipe, a 6-quart model works best for this ham casserole to allow ample space for ingredients to simmer slowly, developing rich flavors over 4-6 hours on low heat.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Indispensable for prepping items like diced ham, chopped onions, and Yukon Gold potatoes—opt for a sturdy wooden or plastic board paired with a sharp knife to minimize effort and ensure uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Mixing Bowl: A large 4-quart glass or stainless-steel bowl is ideal for combining ingredients such as shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and seasonings, allowing us to mix thoroughly before transferring to the crockpot.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for our recipe’s balance, so use a set of standard measuring cups (for liquids like milk) and spoons (for spices like garlic powder and black pepper) to measure precisely and avoid over-seasoning.
For safety and serving, consider these additional items:
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the mixture in the crockpot without scratching the surface, ensuring our cheesy veggies and ham blend evenly.
- Oven Mitts: Essential for handling the hot crockpot safely when checking or serving the casserole, preventing burns during what could be a family favorite weeknight meal.
| Crockpot Size | Capacity (Quarts) | Best For (Servings) | Estimated Cook Time for Ham Casserole |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Quart | 4 | 4-6 people | 6-8 hours on low |
| 6-Quart | 6 | 6-8 people | 4-6 hours on low |
| 8-Quart | 8 | 8+ people | 4-6 hours on low |
Instructions
With our fresh ingredients and essential tools ready, we’re thrilled to guide you through crafting a flavorful ham casserole in the crockpot that delivers tender textures and a cheesy aroma to warm your evenings.
Prep
Before we start, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything blends perfectly for that hearty ham casserole. Begin by washing and dicing 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes to achieve a creamy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. Next, chop 1 medium onion into fine pieces and measure out 2 cups of diced ham to add a savory punch. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of frozen peas straight from the freezer for a pop of sweetness, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for gooey melt, one 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup as the creamy base, 1 cup of milk to thin the mixture, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for aromatic depth, ½ teaspoon of black pepper for a subtle kick, and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme for an earthy note that will infuse the dish.
Cook
Once prepped, we’re ready to cook our ham casserole low and slow in the crockpot for optimal tenderness. Layer the prepared ingredients into your 6-quart crockpot starting with the diced potatoes at the bottom for even heat distribution, followed by the chopped onion and diced ham. Pour the mixture from the bowl evenly over the top then cover with the lid. Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer that releases an irresistible scent throughout your kitchen.
Assemble
To assemble, we’re focusing on building layers that enhance the flavors of our ham casserole. After prepping, spread the diced potatoes and chopped onion across the bottom of the crockpot for a sturdy base. Evenly distribute the diced ham and frozen peas on top then gently stir in the cream of mushroom soup mixture to coat everything. Finally, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the surface and add the garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme on top for a well-balanced crockpot masterpiece ready for cooking.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To maximize convenience with our ham casserole recipes in the crockpot, we can prepare components in advance without compromising flavor or texture. This approach allows us to streamline busy weeknights while ensuring a tender, cheesy dish ready to cook.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping your ingredients up to 24 hours in advance for optimal freshness. Start by dicing the Yukon Gold potatoes and chopping the onion, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent browning and maintain crispness. Measure out the diced ham, frozen peas, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme into individual portions. This step keeps everything organized and reduces prep time on the day of cooking.
Assembling the Casserole in Advance
For a fully make-ahead option, we can assemble the entire crockpot ham casserole up to 8 hours before cooking. Follow our step-by-step instructions from the previous section: layer the prepped ingredients in the crockpot as directed, but stop before turning it on. Cover the assembled dish tightly with the crockpot lid or plastic wrap if transferring to the fridge. This method locks in the aromatic blend of herbs and cheese, ensuring even flavor distribution when it’s time to cook.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to preserving quality. We suggest the following based on storage duration:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Keep assembled casserole at 40°F (4°C) or below to avoid bacterial growth; use shallow containers for quick chilling. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freeze prepped ingredients in freezer-safe bags; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling to retain moisture and texture. |
Always label containers with the date to track freshness, and avoid refreezing thawed items for safety.
Cooking from Make-Ahead
When you’re ready to enjoy our ham casserole, simply remove it from storage and proceed with cooking. If refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to reduce condensation, then set the crockpot to low for 6-8 hours as outlined earlier. For frozen components, add an extra 1-2 hours to the cook time to achieve that perfectly tender ham and creamy veggies. Monitor the crockpot periodically to ensure the dish reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring these ham casserole recipes in our crockpot, and we’re confident you’ll find them a game-changer for cozy meals. They turn simple ingredients into comforting dishes that fit any busy schedule.
Give them a try and discover how easy it is to create flavorful dinners that bring everyone together. Remember, with our tips you’re set for delicious results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ham casserole and why is it appealing?
Ham casserole is a comforting dish that turns leftovers like diced ham into a hearty, cheesy meal. It’s perfect for busy families due to its simplicity and minimal prep time, offering warm, flavorful results in a crockpot. Ideal for cold evenings, it combines tender ham with veggies for an effortless weeknight dinner that maximizes taste with little effort.
What ingredients are needed for a crockpot ham casserole?
You’ll need diced ham, Yukon Gold potatoes, frozen peas, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onion, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Prepare by dicing potatoes and onions for optimal texture. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures a flavorful, hearty result in your crockpot.
What equipment is required to make ham casserole?
A 6-quart crockpot is recommended for even cooking. You’ll also need a cutting board and chef’s knife for prepping ingredients, a mixing bowl for combining them, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring. Don’t forget oven mitts for safe handling to ensure efficient preparation.
How do I prepare ham casserole step by step?
Start by prepping ingredients: dice potatoes and onions, measure ham and other components, then mix in a bowl. Layer everything in your crockpot for enhanced flavor, set to low heat, and cook slowly for tenderness. This method creates a cheesy, aromatic dish ready in a few hours, perfect for easy weeknight meals.
Can I make ham casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and store in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also assemble the full casserole in the crockpot and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking. For freezing, store components separately; adjust cook times when ready, ensuring food safety and maintaining freshness.
How long does it take to cook ham casserole in a crockpot?
Cooking typically takes 4-6 hours on low heat for optimal tenderness, depending on your crockpot size and whether ingredients are cold. For refrigerated assemblies, add 30-60 minutes; for frozen, thaw first and then cook. This slow method ensures a flavorful, warm meal with minimal hands-on time.
How should I store and reheat ham casserole leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until hot throughout, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore moisture. Always check for safe temperatures to keep the dish tasty and safe.