Cheesy Potato, Ham & Green Bean Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and crisp green beans, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish. Here’s how to prepare this mouthwatering casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup cooked ham, chopped
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the casserole dish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-size pieces.
- Trim and halve the green beans.
- Dice the cooked ham and onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, or until just tender.
- In the last 3 minutes of cooking the potatoes, add the green beans to the pot.
- Drain the potatoes and green beans and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Season the mixture with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In the prepared casserole dish, combine the cooked potatoes, green beans, and chopped ham.
- Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the top, stirring gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the surface of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a comforting main dish or a hearty side.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Potato, Ham & Green Bean Casserole is a wonderful blend of savory flavors and comforting textures. The creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans make it a perfect dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delicious combination of ham, cheese, and vegetables in this hearty and satisfying casserole!