Try this simple hash brown casserole with chunks of diced ham, cheese and cream for a delicious make-ahead dinner.

cheesy hash brown and ham casserole in a cast iron skillet.

Full disclosure, I made this recipe on a whim with no intentions of adding it to the site. But, it turned out quite delicious and was pretty easy to make, which is always good.

After deciding to post this recipe, I scanned the internet to see how others were making this meal. I also kind of wanted to know if they were serving it as a breakfast or dinner; I had made it for dinner and did not add any eggs, so it seemed like a dinner recipe, I guess.

The most significant difference between this hash brown casserole and others is I did not use any “soup.” no cream of mushroom or cream of chicken. Instead, I made a creamy gravy with carrots and celery.

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How to make hash brown casserole with ham

Preparing the vegetables

Yes, there are vegetables! The carrots and celery add so much flavor, so don’t go leaving them out. Begin by dicing up the celery and carrot into thin rounds. Then, in a large, 12″ cast iron skillet, melt butter and saute the vegetables.

Give them a couple of minutes to soften up slightly, then throw on some minced garlic. Again, allow the garlic a chance to brown for a few seconds before continuing.

Making the cream

Sprinkle vegetables with flour, slowly add heavy whipping cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; frequently stir to keep everything from sticking.

Shredding potatoes and adding ham

While the cream is thickening into a gravy-like consistency, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Use the largest shredding holes of a box grater and shred several red potatoes—dice ham into quarter-inch or so chunks.

You can learn how to make ham here!

Ham cheese and hashbrowns in a cast iron skillet.

Combining all the ingredients

After 5-10 minutes, the cream should start to thicken. Once it does, add in the potatoes, ham, frozen corn and shredded cheddar cheese. Salt and pepper to taste; stir it all together well.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for approximately 35 minutes. It should be ready when the cheese and gravy around the edge of the dish start to bubble.

Let rest for several minutes before serving.

This cheesy potato casserole is filling, loaded with flavor, and is a perfect side to any dish. With the added ham, for both protein and heartiness, this potato casserole recipe can easily be served as the main dish.

Helpful Kitchen Supplies

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Get my full disclosure here.

Hash brown casserole without soup on wooden table.

Recipe substitutions/variations

Swap out potatoes for frozen hash browns. Using frozen hash browns will not only save some time, but the potatoes should also crisp up a bit more.

How to get an extra crunch? As you can see in the pictures, the potatoes are not exactly golden brown and crispy—two ways to get that extra crunch. After shredding the potatoes, wash and dry them. This will allow them the best opportunity to crisp up. Otherwise, another way to achieve that commonly desired crunch is to add approximately 2/3 cup of crushed potato chips or fried onion rings over the top of the dish halfway through cooking.

Making creamy gravy is not my thing. No problem, After sauteing the vegetables until soft, stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup before adding in the hash browns and ham. Then bake like normal.

ham and hashbrowns casserole baked in a cast iron skillet.

Does the ham make this easy hash brown casserole a meal?

Of course it does! It also makes a great dish to bring for holidays, potlucks and reunions. But, if you need a little more in your meal, try serving it with this simple Tuscan chicken, meatloaf, smothered pork steaks or round steaks.

Popular Side dishes (you should try)

Hash brown casserole without soup on wooden table.

Hash Brown Casserole With Ham

Laura Ascher
This simple hash brown and ham casserole is ideal for potlucks, holidays, or to complement any meal.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 415 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 red potatoes shredded
  • 2 cups of cooked ham diced
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 celery stalk finely cut
  • 1 carrot sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Saute carrot and celery in the butter for several minutes.
  • Add in garlic and let it brown slightly.
  • Sprinkle with flour and slowly add the cream.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Stir often to keep from sticking.
  • Allow it to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, then add ham and potatoes.
  • Stir in the cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until the sauce and cheese begin to bubble around the edges.
  • Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ozCalories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 21gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 786mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g
Tried this recipe?Mention @castironskilletcooking on Instagram
This website provides approximate nutrition information based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands, measuring methods and portion sizes per household. We recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer.

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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