Ultimate Comfort Ham and Tater Tot Casserole with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

The ultimate ham and tater tot casserole featuring tender chunks of savory ham, crispy golden tater tots, and a rich creamy cheese sauce. This beloved comfort food classic combines hearty ham with the irresistible crunch of perfectly baked tater tots and a velvety cheese sauce, creating an unforgettable family-friendly dish.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 32 oz frozen tater tots
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooking spray for pan
• Aluminum foil for covering

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup.
3. Step 3: Add sour cream and milk to the soup mixture, stirring until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to season the sauce.
5. Step 5: Fold in the diced ham, making sure the pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Step 6: Add the diced onion, frozen corn, frozen peas, and diced bell pepper to the mixture.
7. Step 7: Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and all the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Step 8: Pour the ham and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
9. Step 9: Spread the mixture into an even layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Step 10: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer covering the entire casserole surface.
11. Step 11: Brush the tater tots with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika.
12. Step 12: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
13. Step 13: Bake covered for 30 minutes until the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
14. Step 14: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the tater tots.
15. Step 15: Continue baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
16. Step 16: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted.
17. Step 17: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
18. Step 18: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sliced green onions.
19. Step 19: Cut into portions and serve hot while the tater tots are still crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use smoked ham or add a dash of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
• Try swapping frozen mixed vegetables for peas and corn to suit your preferred veggies.
• Add a layer of cooked green beans or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different twist on the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. For crispier tater tots on reheating, bake uncovered for a few minutes to restore crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to cook thoroughly from chilled.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer, homemade cream sauces or canned cream of celery soup can be substituted. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor balance.

Ultimate Comfort Ham and Tater Tot Casserole with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 139 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

The Ultimate Comfort Ham and Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish featuring tender chunks of savory ham, a medley of vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce all topped with crispy, golden-baked tater tots. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines the comforting flavors of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with a rich mushroom and chicken cream sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection, it offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and crunchy topping that makes it an irresistible comfort food classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ham Base

• 3 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese Layer

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Vegetable Mix

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper

Tater Tot Topping

• 32 oz frozen tater tots
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Fresh Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced

Final Touch

• Cooking spray for pan
• Aluminum foil for covering

Special Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Soups: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup until well blended.
3. Add Dairy: Stir in the sour cream and whole milk to the soup mixture, continuing to mix until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
4. Season Sauce: Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the sauce to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Add Ham: Fold in the diced cooked ham, making sure the pieces are evenly coated throughout the creamy sauce.
6. Mix Vegetables: Add diced onion, frozen corn, frozen peas, and diced bell pepper to the mixture, stirring until combined.
7. Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese along with all the mozzarella cheese, mixing thoroughly into the base.
8. Transfer Mixture: Pour the ham and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer with a spatula.
9. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, complete layer covering the entire surface of the casserole evenly.
10. Prepare Tater Tots: Brush the tater tots with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika for added flavor and crispiness.
11. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges.
12. Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the tater tots.
13. Continue Baking: Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
14. Check Temperature: Ensure the casserole’s internal temperature reaches 165°F and that the cheese is fully melted.
15. Rest: Remove casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly for easier serving.
16. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and sliced green onions over the casserole for a fresh finish.
17. Serve: Cut the casserole into portions and serve hot while the tater tots maintain their crispy texture.
18. Store Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers covered for up to 3 days.

Notes

• For extra crispy tater tots, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Feel free to substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein option.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra cayenne pepper to taste.
• Use low-fat sour cream and milk to reduce fat content if desired.
• This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked fresh before serving.
• Ensure the casserole is covered tightly while baking to prevent the tater tots from drying out.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ham casserole, tater tot casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, creamy cheese sauce, baked casserole, family meal