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

Introduction

This Ultimate Comfort Ham and Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for any family meal. Tender chunks of savory ham combine with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy tater tots for a deliciously comforting dinner.

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 black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 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 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 combined.
4. Step 4: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to season the sauce.
5. Step 5: Fold in diced ham, ensuring pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Step 6: Add 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 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 frozen tater tots in a single layer covering the entire casserole surface.
11. Step 11: Brush 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 foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the tater tots.
15. Step 15: Continue baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
16. Step 16: Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F and cheese is melted.
17. Step 17: Remove from oven and let 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 tater tots are still crispy.
20. Step 20: Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked ham for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Swap frozen peas and corn for any preferred vegetables like green beans or carrots.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Mix in some cooked bacon bits for extra savory texture.
• Try topping with crushed cornflakes instead of cheese for a crunchy topping variation.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated evenly, about 15-20 minutes. To retain crispy tater tots, reheat uncovered in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan work well together, but you can substitute or add other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile.

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

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

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

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Description

This Ultimate Comfort Ham and Tater Tot Casserole combines savory diced ham, creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy tater tot topping baked to golden perfection. Loaded with vegetables and a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a hearty, satisfying comfort meal perfect for family dinners.

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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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat 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 smooth.
3. Add Dairy: Add sour cream and whole milk to the soup mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine into a creamy sauce.
4. Season Sauce: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to season the creamy mixture evenly.
5. Fold in Ham: Gently fold the diced ham into the sauce, making sure the ham pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Add Vegetables: Incorporate the diced onion, frozen corn, frozen peas, and diced bell pepper, stirring until all ingredients are well combined.
7. Mix Cheese: Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and all the shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture for extra creaminess.
8. Transfer Mixture: Pour the ham and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula for an even layer.
9. Arrange Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer covering the entire surface of the casserole mixture.
10. Season Tots: Brush the tater tots with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika for added flavor and color.
11. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, then bake for 30 minutes until the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
12. Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the tater tots.
13. Bake Uncovered: Continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy and cheese has melted.
14. Check Temperature: Ensure the casserole’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee it is safely cooked through.
15. Rest Casserole: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set and allow flavors to meld.
16. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
17. Portion and Serve: Cut the casserole into portions and serve hot to enjoy the crispy tater tot topping at its best.
18. Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Use fully cooked ham to shorten prep time and ensure safe consumption.
• For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking but watch closely to avoid burning.
• Feel free to customize vegetables based on preference, such as adding diced carrots or green beans.
• The cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice subtle heat; omit it if you prefer a milder casserole.
• Make sure to cover the dish while baking initially to keep moisture in and prevent the tater tots from burning.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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

Keywords: ham casserole, tater tot casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked casserole