Slow-Cooked Ham & Potato Casserole Recipe
I’ll be honest with you – I’m not typically the type who gets excited about throwing ingredients into a slow cooker and calling it dinner. But this ham and potato casserole? It’s completely changed my perspective on what comfort food can be. There’s something almost magical about how these simple ingredients transform into something that tastes like you’ve been slaving over the stove all day, when really you’ve done maybe ten minutes of actual work.
Why You’ll Love this Slow-Cooked Ham & Potato Casserole
Why do comfort food lovers everywhere swear by slow-cooked casseroles? Because they’re pure magic, honestly.
This ham and potato dish hits every cozy note you crave.
I’m talking tender potatoes that practically melt in your mouth, savory ham that adds the perfect salty bite, and cheese that gets all bubbly and golden.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your family actually excited for dinner.
Plus, cleanup? Minimal.
What Ingredients are in Slow-Cooked Ham & Potato Casserole?
This slow-cooker ham and potato casserole couldn’t be simpler when it comes to ingredients. We’re talking about five basic items that you probably already have in your kitchen, or can easily grab during your next grocery run.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, really. No fancy sauces to make from scratch, no exotic spices that cost a fortune and sit unused in your pantry for years. Just straightforward, honest ingredients that come together to create something absolutely delicious.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 slices ham
- 8-10 potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 2 onions, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 cup cheese, grated
- 1 (14 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
When it comes to the ham, you’ve got options. Leftover holiday ham works perfectly, but deli ham slices will do the trick too. Just make sure they’re thick enough that they won’t disappear completely during the long cooking process.
For potatoes, russets are your best friend here. They hold their shape well and have that perfect starchy texture that makes casseroles so satisfying. Don’t skip the thin slicing part, though. Thick chunks will leave you with some pieces perfectly tender and others still crunchy, which isn’t the vibe we’re going for.
The cheese choice is totally up to you. Cheddar brings that sharp, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with ham, but Swiss or even a mild mozzarella would work just fine. As for the cream of mushroom soup, stick with the regular stuff, not the reduced-fat version. Trust me on this one, the extra richness makes all the difference in a slow-cooked dish like this.
How to Make this Slow-Cooked Ham & Potato Casserole
Making this slow-cooked ham and potato casserole is honestly so simple that I sometimes wonder if I’m forgetting a step. But nope, it really is just about layering ingredients and letting your slow cooker work its magic.
First things first, grab your crock-pot and give it a good greasing. I know it seems obvious, but trust me, there’s nothing worse than having half your beautiful casserole stuck to the bottom like concrete. A little cooking spray or butter rubbed around with a paper towel does the trick perfectly.
Now comes the fun part, the layering. Start with some of your 6-8 slices of ham on the bottom. You don’t need to be precious about it, just spread them around so they cover most of the base. Then grab those 8-10 thinly sliced potatoes and create your first potato layer. Overlap them slightly, like you’re making the world’s most delicious potato shingles.
Next up, scatter some of those 2 sliced onions over the potatoes. The onions are going to melt down and become sweet and jammy during the long cooking process, so don’t worry if it seems like too much. Then sprinkle some of that 1 cup of grated cheese over everything. See the pattern here? You’re basically making a beautiful, edible layer cake.
Keep repeating this process, ham, potatoes, onions, cheese, until you’ve used up all your ingredients. How many layers you end up with depends on the size of your slow cooker, but usually you’ll get about three good layers out of these amounts. Just make sure your top layer is cheese, because who doesn’t want a gorgeous melted cheese top.
Here’s where things get almost too easy. Take that 14-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup and pour it right over the top, undiluted. Don’t add water, don’t stir it around, just let it sit there looking slightly questionable. I know it seems weird to dump cold soup on top of everything, but this is what’s going to create that creamy, dreamy sauce as it cooks.
Pop the lid on your crock-pot, set it to high, and walk away for 4 hours. Seriously, that’s it. No stirring, no checking every twenty minutes, no fussing around. The slow cooker is going to gently steam those potatoes until they’re fork-tender, melt that cheese into gooey perfection, and transform that soup into the most comforting sauce you’ve ever had.
The hardest part of this whole recipe is probably resisting the urge to lift the lid and peek. Every time you do that, you’re letting precious heat escape and adding time to your cooking process. So maybe find a good book to read, or tackle that pile of laundry you’ve been avoiding.
Slow-Cooked Ham & Potato Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While I absolutely love this recipe exactly as written, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about mixing things up a few times.
You could easily swap the cream of mushroom soup for cheddar cheese soup. Want something lighter? Try cream of celery instead.
The cheese possibilities are endless too. Sharp cheddar brings tang, while Swiss adds nuttiness. Gruyere? Now we’re getting fancy.
For the ham, leftover turkey works beautifully, especially around the holidays. Even cooked bacon pieces would make this sing.
Want extra flavor? Toss in some minced garlic or fresh thyme with those onions.
What to Serve with Slow-Cooked Ham & Potato Casserole
One hearty casserole deserves equally satisfying sides, and I’ve got some thoughts on what pairs beautifully with this comfort food masterpiece.
I’d go with something crisp and fresh to balance all that creamy richness. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the cheese beautifully.
Steamed broccoli or green beans work too.
For bread lovers, crusty dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that mushroom sauce. Trust me, you don’t want to waste a drop.
A light fruit salad brings brightness to the plate, which honestly feels necessary after this indulgent dish.
Final Thoughts
This comforting casserole has earned its spot in my regular rotation, and honestly, I think it’ll do the same for you.
There’s something magical about tossing ingredients into a slow cooker and walking away. No fuss, no babysitting required.
What makes this recipe special? It’s foolproof. Even my most kitchen-challenged friends could nail this one.
The flavors meld beautifully during those four hours, creating something that tastes like you spent all day slaving away.
Trust me, your family will think you’re some sort of culinary genius. Sometimes the simplest recipes are absolute perfection.
Slow Cooked Ham And Potato Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6-8 slices ham
- 8-10 potatoes peeled and sliced thin
- 2 onions peeled and sliced thin
- 1 cup cheese grated
- 1 14 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
Instructions
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer the ham slices in the bottom of the greased crock-pot.
- Add a layer of thinly sliced potatoes over the ham.
- Add a layer of thinly sliced onions over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the onion layer.
- Pour the undiluted cream of mushroom soup over the top of all layers.
- Cover and cook on high setting for 4 hours.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Cook This Recipe on Low Instead of High Heat?
I’d recommend cooking this on low for 6-8 hours instead of high for 4 hours. You’ll get the same delicious results with more tender potatoes and better flavor development throughout the dish.
How Do I Know When the Potatoes Are Fully Cooked?
I’ll check if the potatoes are tender by inserting a fork into the thickest pieces. When they’re easily pierced and feel soft, they’re fully cooked and ready to serve.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before Cooking?
Yes, you can assemble this casserole the night before. I’d layer all ingredients except the soup in your crock-pot, cover, and refrigerate. Add the soup just before cooking the next day.
What Size Slow Cooker Works Best for This Recipe?
I’d recommend using a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe. The layered ingredients need enough space to cook evenly, and this size accommodates the potatoes, ham, and onions without overcrowding them.
Can I Freeze Leftovers and Reheat Them Later?
I’d recommend avoiding freezing this casserole since potatoes don’t freeze well and become mushy when reheated. Instead, I’ll store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.