Ben'S Favorite Casserole
A comforting casserole combining diced ham, sliced potatoes, and melted American cheese, perfect for family dinners and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil and drain the sliced potatoes.
- In a 9 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 2-inch casserole dish, layer the ham.
- Add half of the boiled potatoes over the ham.
- Cover the potatoes with slices of American cheese.
- Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes and cheese slices.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Dot the top with margarine.
- Pour milk over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F until the cheese has melted and the milk is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of sour cream or cream cheese between the potato and cheese layers. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar or a blend for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked ham or even leftover ham from your last meal for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread for a heartier dinner. For a fun twist, try serving it with a side of Deviled Egg And Ham Salad for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ben'S Favorite Casserole contains roughly 360 calories, with 6g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1065mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns or pre-frozen sliced potatoes. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before layering to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. You can also insert a knife into the center; it should come out hot and clean.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).