SLOW COOKER HAM AND POTATO CASSEROLE

Ah, the joy of comfort food! Few dishes evoke the warmth and coziness of home quite like a hearty casserole. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that holds a special place in my heart. It’s a creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole that’s perfect for lazy weekends or family gatherings. I remember the first time I tried this dish—it was at a potluck dinner hosted by a dear friend. The aroma alone drew me in, promising a delightful medley of flavors and textures. From that moment on, I knew this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Ingredients

Before we delve into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easily available at your local grocery store:

1 (30 oz) package frozen hash brown potatoes, cubed or shredded

1 envelope onion soup mix

1 teaspoon salt

1 (8 oz) container sour cream

1 (10.75 oz) can reduced fat cream of chicken soup

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 (6 oz) package herb-seasoned stuffing mix

2 cups chopped ham

Directions

Now, let’s walk through the steps to create this delectable dish. Follow along closely to ensure your hash brown casserole turns out perfectly.

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by spraying your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash brown potatoes, onion soup mix, salt, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, grated cheddar cheese, and chopped ham. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.

Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.

Add Stuffing Mix: Sprinkle the herb-seasoned stuffing mix evenly over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker.

Drizzle with Butter: Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the stuffing mix. This will help create a crispy and flavorful topping.

Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the slow cooker to cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker model, so check for doneness accordingly.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is up, remove the lid carefully. The casserole should be bubbly and the stuffing mix on top should be golden brown and crispy. Serve hot, scooping out generous portions onto plates or into bowls.

Variations and Substitutions

Part of the charm of this hash brown casserole is its versatility. Here are some variations and substitutions you can consider to tailor the dish to your preferences or dietary needs:

Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and use additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead.

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavors.

Gluten-Free: Substitute the herb-seasoned stuffing mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika for a subtle kick of heat.

Feel free to get creative and adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions. The basic structure of creamy potatoes, savory cheese, and crispy topping leaves plenty of room for personalization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this hash brown casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of comforting flavors and shared moments around the table. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving something hearty for dinner, this casserole ticks all the boxes. From the creamy texture of the potatoes to the satisfying crunch of the stuffing topping, every bite is a reminder of why homemade comfort food is so cherished.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do. It’s not just about the meal itself but about the memories you create with each serving. So gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and get ready to savor a taste of home. Happy cooking!