Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook Meat and Onion: In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and ground beef until the beef is cooked through.
- Layer Potatoes: Place a single layer of potato slices at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Add Meat Mixture: Spread about three-quarters of the beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded cheese on top of the meat.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, meat mixture, and cheese, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
- Prepare Soup Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the cheddar cheese soup with the whole and evaporated milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture over the layered casserole.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Adjust the baking time if your potato slices are thicker.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family!
Here are some pro tips for your Ham and Potato Casserole with Cheesy Topping:
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake directly from the fridge (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time).
- Uniform Slices: Slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. A mandoline can help achieve uniform thickness.
- Flavor Boost: Add your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Mix different cheeses for added depth. Cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda all work well together.
- Creamy Twist: For an extra creamy texture, add a dollop of sour cream to the cheese soup mixture.
- Garnish: Top the finished casserole with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Make It a Meal: Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Leftovers Love: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for quick lunches or dinners.