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

★★★★★

4.8 from 139 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://marinamontclair.com/ultimate-comfort-ham-and-tater-tot-casserole-with-creamy-cheese-sauce-recipe/