Underground Ham
Underground Ham is a hearty casserole combining tender ham, creamy mushroom sauce, cheesy mashed potatoes, and crispy bacon, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ham, margarine, chopped onion, and Worcestershire sauce in a skillet and cook until onions are tender.
- Spread the cooked mixture in the bottom of a medium-sized roasting pan.
- In a saucepan, heat mushroom soup, milk, and Velveeta cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese and mushroom sauce over the ham mixture in the roasting pan.
- Prepare mashed potatoes without salt or milk, then mix in sour cream.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the cheese and ham mixture.
- Sprinkle browned, crumbled bacon over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the margarine with butter. You can use any type of cheese if Velveeta isn't available; cheddar or a cheese blend works well. If you prefer fresh mushrooms, sauté them with the onions for added texture. To make it lighter, swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt or omit it altogether.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Mama'S Vegetable Soup for a comforting meal. For a complete spread, consider adding crusty bread or rolls for scooping up the delicious layers. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Underground Ham contains roughly 2498 calories, with 16g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 234g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2428mg per serving (106% 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 leftover ham instead of cubed ham?
Yes, leftover ham is actually perfect for this recipe! It will enhance the flavor and make the dish even more convenient. Just ensure it's chopped into similar-sized pieces to ensure even heating.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance, assemble the dish, and cover it tightly. Refrigerate overnight, then bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I serve with Underground Ham?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a light side such as a mixed green salad or roasted vegetables. For something heartier, consider pairing it with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
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).