Nothing beats the warmth of a home-cooked meal, especially one that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings. If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food that is both satisfying and easy to make, Cheesy Potato, Ham & Green Bean Casserole is the answer. This hearty dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender potatoes, savory ham, and fresh green beans—making it a go-to meal for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday side dish, this casserole will surely win hearts at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Casserole
✔ Comforting & Filling – Packed with creamy cheese, soft potatoes, and smoky ham, this dish is pure comfort on a plate.
✔ Easy to Prepare – With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules.
✔ Family-Friendly – A kid-approved meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
✔ Versatile – Can be served as a main dish or a hearty side.
Ingredients for Cheesy Potato, Ham & Green Bean Casserole
Before you start, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (peeled & chopped) | 1 lb. (about 3 medium) |
| Cooked ham (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Fresh green beans (trimmed & halved) | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Small onion (diced) | 1 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Butter (melted) | 3 tbsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Cooking spray/butter (for greasing) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Casserole
1. 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 fresh green beans.
- Dice the cooked ham and onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
2. 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, add the green beans to the pot.
- Drain the potatoes and green beans and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a large bowl, mix together:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Diced onion
- Minced garlic
- Season the mixture with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- In the greased casserole dish, combine the cooked potatoes, green beans, and chopped ham.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the top and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Prepare the Crispy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake Until Golden & Bubbling
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- The top should turn golden brown, and the casserole should be bubbling.
7. Let It Rest & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm as a main dish or a side to complement your meal.
Serving Suggestions: How to Make It Even Better
Want to make your casserole extra special? Here are some ideas:
✔ Pair It with a Fresh Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the rich, cheesy flavors of the casserole.
✔ Serve with Bread or Rolls
Soft dinner rolls or garlic bread make the perfect companion to soak up every delicious bite.
✔ Add Extra Toppings
Sprinkle extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped parsley on top for an even more flavorful experience.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing Option:
- Assemble the casserole but do not bake.
- Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Calcium | 150mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Frozen green beans work well. Just add them directly to the casserole—no need to pre-cook.
2. What type of ham is best for this casserole?
Any leftover ham, deli ham, or smoked ham works great. Just ensure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Gruyère for a different flavor twist.
5. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots can be great additions.
Final Thoughts: A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion
Cheesy Potato, Ham & Green Bean Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a dish. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. So, go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Cheesy Potato, Ham & Green Bean Casserole: A Comforting and Hearty Dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A warm and hearty casserole that combines creamy, cheesy potatoes with savory ham and crisp green beans. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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
- ½ cup milk
- ½ 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
-
Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the chopped potatoes and cook for 10 minutes until just tender.
- In the last 3 minutes, add the green beans.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large bowl, mix together shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Season 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 cheese sauce over the top and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
-
Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a main dish or a side.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available. No need to pre-cook them.
- Try using Gruyère, mozzarella, or Colby Jack cheese for a different flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
- Add extra flavor by mixing in crispy bacon bits or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American