Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Ultimate Comfort Ham and Tater Tot Casserole with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Ultimate Comfort Ham and Tater Tot Casserole with Creamy Cheese Sauce is a hearty and delicious family favorite. Tender diced ham is combined with a rich and creamy blend of mushroom and chicken soups, sour cream, and spices, then layered with vibrant vegetables and a generous mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with crispy, golden tater tots brushed with butter and sprinkled with paprika, this casserole bakes into a warm, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Finished with fresh parsley and green onions, it offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham Base

  • 3 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese Layer

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Vegetable Mix

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper

Tater Tot Topping

  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Fresh Garnish

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Final Touch

  • Cooking spray for pan
  • Aluminum foil for covering

Special Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the soup mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup, stirring together evenly.
  3. Add sour cream and milk: Stir in the sour cream and whole milk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating a creamy sauce base.
  4. Season the sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir well to integrate all the seasonings thoroughly.
  5. Fold in diced ham: Gently fold the diced cooked ham into the sauce, ensuring the ham pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  6. Add vegetables: Incorporate diced onion, frozen corn, frozen peas, and diced bell pepper into the mixture, stirring until well mixed.
  7. Add cheese: Stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all the shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture, blending evenly.
  8. Assemble casserole base: Pour this ham and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer using a spatula.
  9. Arrange tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the entire surface of the casserole to form a crispy topping.
  10. Brush with butter and paprika: Brush the tops of the tater tots with melted butter and sprinkle them evenly with paprika for added flavor and color.
  11. Cover with foil: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the tater tots from over-browning during the initial bake.
  12. Bake covered: Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes until the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
  13. Add remaining cheese: Remove the foil carefully, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  14. Bake uncovered: Continue baking the casserole uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
  15. Check temperature: Ensure the internal temperature of the casserole reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and that the cheese is fully melted.
  16. Let rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
  17. Garnish and serve: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
  18. Portion and enjoy: Cut the casserole into portions and serve hot, enjoying the crispy texture of the tater tots and creamy filling.
  19. Store leftovers: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • This casserole can be customized by adding other vegetables like diced carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, include the optional cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Use low-fat or light sour cream and milk if you want to reduce calories and fat content slightly.
  • Make sure to arrange tater tots in a single layer to ensure even crispiness.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, but re-crisp tater tots by reheating briefly in the oven or air fryer.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: ham casserole, tater tot casserole, creamy cheese sauce, comfort food, easy casserole, baked casserole, cheesy ham dish, family dinner recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/ultimate-comfort-ham-and-tater-tot-casserole-with-creamy-cheese-sauce-recipe/