CHEESY HAM & POTATO CASSEROLE!
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a skillet and sauté 1 medium diced onion until soft, about 4 minutes. Whisk together 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup whole milk, ½ cup sour cream, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp black pepper and ¼ tsp salt. In a greased 9x13 baking dish, layer half of 4 medium thinly sliced potatoes, half of 3 cups diced ham, half the sautéed onion, and half the soup mixture. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, onion and soup mixture. Cover with foil and bake 50 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling.
One ham stretches into two full dinners this way, and nobody at the table treats it like leftovers the second time around.
Using leftover ham for this casserole not only saves money but also simplifies meal planning for busy weeknights. The combination of creamy mushroom soup with sour cream adds richness and moisture, preventing the potatoes from drying out during baking. I like to use Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape after baking, but russets work well too. For added flavor, consider incorporating a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of nutmeg into the soup mixture. This enhances the depth of the savory profile without overpowering the natural taste of the ham. Since the recipe calls for sautéed onions, cooking them until they're slightly caramelized brings a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the salty ham and sharp cheddar cheese. When assembling, make sure to layer the ingredients evenly for consistent cooking. Covering the dish with foil initially helps steam the potatoes, making them tender before the cheese browns on top. If you prefer a crispier cheese topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch it carefully! This casserole is also very versatile; swapping out cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or chicken soup can subtly change the flavor profile. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be served with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. From my experience, this recipe stretches one leftover ham into multiple satisfying meals, reducing food waste while delighting family members who look forward to this classic, hearty dish every time.
