O'Brien Hot Dish
O'Brien Hot Dish is a comforting casserole featuring ham, potatoes, green peppers, and melted Velveeta cheese, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil potatoes with skins on, then dice them.
- In a casserole, combine the diced potatoes, cubed ham, chopped green pepper, and diced onion.
- Make a white sauce by melting butter, then stirring in flour and gradually adding milk, cooking until thickened.
- Add Velveeta cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the potato, ham, green pepper, and onion mixture in the casserole.
- Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream in place of some milk. If you don't have Velveeta, other processed cheeses can work, but adjust the seasoning as they may vary in saltiness. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika can enhance the flavor. This dish is great for using up leftover ham from holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty O'Brien Hot Dish alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Two-Cheese Tossed Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more filling option, consider adding crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of O'Brien Hot Dish contains roughly 1327 calories, with 14g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly. If using a sharper cheese, you might want to add a bit more seasoning to balance the flavors.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use vegetable broth instead of milk to enhance the flavor of the sauce without the meat.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
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).