Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner
When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals that bring everyone to the table, few dishes can compete with a classic Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole. This recipe is the definition of comfort food: tender sliced potatoes, savory diced ham, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese all coming together in one warm, cozy dish. Best of all, it’s made in the slow cooker, which means minimal effort, maximum flavor, and a house that smells absolutely incredible while dinner cooks itself.
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover ham, especially after holidays like Easter or Christmas. The slow cooker does all the hard work, gently cooking the potatoes until they’re perfectly soft and allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, creamy, comforting meal that both kids and adults love.
If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy, affordable, and endlessly satisfying, this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole
This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect home-cooked meal. It’s simple to prepare with basic pantry ingredients, it’s filling without being complicated, and it delivers classic flavors that never go out of style. The slow cooker method ensures even cooking and eliminates the need to hover over the stove or oven. It’s also incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for beginner cooks.
Another reason this casserole is so popular is its versatility. You can easily customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings depending on what you have on hand. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or preparing meals ahead of time, this dish adapts beautifully to your needs.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole
4–5 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups cooked ham, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Breakdown and Tips
Potatoes are the heart of this casserole. Thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. Russet potatoes work very well, but Yukon Gold potatoes are also an excellent choice for a slightly creamier texture.
Cooked ham adds a savory, smoky flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce. This is a fantastic recipe for leftover ham, but store-bought diced ham works just as well.
Onion adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Finely chopping it ensures it softens completely during cooking.
Cheddar cheese provides sharp, classic cheesiness. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar depending on your taste.
Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup forms the base of the creamy sauce. Both options work well, so choose based on preference.
Milk thins the soup slightly, creating a smooth, pourable sauce that coats the potatoes evenly.
Butter adds richness and helps prevent dryness.
Garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika bring warmth and balance to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
Parsley is optional but adds a nice pop of color and freshness when serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole
Begin by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with butter or oil. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread them evenly so they cook uniformly. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Add half of the diced ham and half of the chopped onion over the potatoes. Sprinkle with a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layers using the remaining potatoes, ham, onion, and cheese. Try to distribute everything evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream soup, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika if using. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread it so it reaches the edges and seeps down through the layers.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook until the potatoes are tender. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule.
Once the casserole is fully cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for this.
Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
If your potatoes are thicker or your slow cooker runs cooler, you may need to add an extra 30 minutes of cooking time.
For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional cheddar on top during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking and allow it to melt.
Delicious Variations to Try
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole is easy to customize. For a vegetable boost, add sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or frozen peas. For extra richness, mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese with the sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss.
If you prefer a slightly crispy top, transfer the cooked casserole to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for a few minutes until golden.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but it also pairs well with lighter side dishes. Serve it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread. It’s also an excellent side dish for holidays, brunches, or potlucks.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the casserole looks dry.
This dish can also be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the layers and refrigerate the slow cooker insert overnight. Start cooking the next day as directed.
Can I use raw ham instead of cooked ham? Cooked ham is recommended, as raw ham may release excess moisture and affect the texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole is the kind of recipe that brings comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction all in one dish. It’s simple, reliable, and full of flavor, making it perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. The slow cooker method makes it stress-free, while the creamy, cheesy results make it unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole is proof that classic ingredients and simple techniques can create something truly special.
