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

★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

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.

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

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

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