This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ham, creamy potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce that melts in your mouth. With just 20 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas for 5 hours. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory ham, velvety potatoes, and a hint of smoky sweetness, making it a hearty meal that satisfies every craving.
Packed with bold flavors and creamy textures, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The golden, bubbly cheese topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the tender potatoes soak up the savory sauce. Perfect for busy days or cozy dinners, this dish brings warmth and comfort to your table with minimal effort. Serve it up and watch it disappear!
What You’ll Need
- 1 (30 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes (cubed or shredded, your choice!)
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion (or substitute with 1/4 cup fresh diced onion)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 8 ounces sour cream (light or full-fat both work)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can reduced-fat cream of chicken soup (regular cream of chicken soup is fine too)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
- 2 cups cooked diced ham (leftover ham is perfect for this!)
- 4 Tablespoons butter, melted (unsalted or salted, your choice)
- 1 (6 ounce) package herb-seasoned stuffing mix (or use plain stuffing mix and add your favorite herbs)
How to Make It
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, dried minced onion, salt, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced ham. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Transfer the mixture to the prepared slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the herb-seasoned stuffing mix evenly over the top of the casserole. Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing mix to help it crisp up.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The casserole is done when the edges are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish straight from the slow cooker!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This hearty Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a cozy dinner, serve it with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy goodness. It’s also a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings—just double the recipe for a crowd!
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this casserole to suit your taste! Swap the ham for cooked bacon or turkey, or use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a different flavor profile. Add a cup of frozen peas or corn for extra veggies, or try using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing mix or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping.
Leftovers Made Easy: Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. If the casserole seems a bit dry after reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back its creamy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prep your ingredients the night before! Dice the ham, shred the cheese, and measure out the dried onion and stuffing mix. Store everything in separate containers in the fridge so you can quickly assemble the casserole the next day. If you’re really in a rush, cook on high for 2-3 hours—it’ll still turn out delicious!
Slow Cooker Success: Equipment Guidance
For best results, use a 6-quart slow cooker to ensure even cooking and prevent overflow. If your slow cooker tends to cook hotter than average, check the casserole after 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high to avoid overcooking. A slow cooker liner can also make cleanup a breeze—just spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray before adding your ingredients.
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen hash brown potatoes (30 ounce, cubed or shredded)
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1 can reduced fat cream of chicken soup (10.75 ounce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked diced ham ham leftovers are perfect for this recipe!
- 4 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 package herb-seasoned stuffing mix (6 ounce)
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine hash browns, dried onion, salt, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheese, and ham and place in slow cooker.
- Sprinkle stuffing mix over top, then drizzle melted butter over stuffing.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high 2-3 hours.