Tasty Leftover Ham and Tater Tot Casserole

The joy of transforming leftover ham into something delightful never ceases to amaze me. I still remember the first time I tried a tater tot casserole. It happened during a family get-together, where the laughter and connection over a dish created from simple ingredients created lasting memories. Since then, I’ve cherished leftover ham and tater tots as a duo that effortlessly combines comfort and flavor.

Tasty leftover ham and tater tot casserole stands out for its ease and heartiness. It weaves together tender, diced ham with crunchy tater tots, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, creating a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. This meal doesn’t just come together; it catches everyone’s attention, making the simplest gatherings feel festive.

Creating this casserole fills my kitchen with enticing aromas. It’s remarkable how a few key ingredients can transform leftovers into a comforting feast. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to share at a potluck, this casserole fits the bill. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful, nostalgia-filled dish.

Tasty Leftover Ham and Tater Tot Casserole

Fundamentals

A casserole strikes a perfect balance between comfort and convenience. This tasty leftover ham and tater tot casserole combines various textures and flavors, making it a family favorite. Keeping it quick and simple means you can bring your loved ones together around the dinner table in no time.

A casserole typically requires a base, filling, and topping. For this recipe, tater tots serve as both a base and a crunchy topping. Diced ham contributes protein and heartiness, and a creamy sauce blends everything perfectly. This dish’s appeal lies in its effortless setup and rich taste.

Preparation/setup

Setting up your casserole is straightforward. You’ll start by gathering everything you need. This process is all about easy organization, ensuring that you have your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) gets things moving nicely. You want a warm, welcoming environment for your casserole to bake. The next steps incorporate mixing the flavorful components before layering, so make sure you have a trusty mixing bowl handy.

The successful execution of this casserole starts with the right preparation. Let’s get into the details.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 4 cups tater tots
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

These ingredients form the backbone of your tasty leftover ham and tater tot casserole. Each component offers a unique contribution, from the savory ham to the creamy sauce and golden tater tots.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well.
3. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the tater tots evenly on the bottom.
4. Pour the ham mixture over the tater tots, spreading it out evenly.
5. Top with the remaining tater tots and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Elevating Your Casserole Experience

Technique

The technique behind assembling a tasty leftover ham and tater tot casserole is simple yet effective. You begin with layering, which creates depth and ensures every bite is packed with flavor. The combination of ingredients melds beautifully as they bake.

Starting with a layer of tater tots gives the casserole a solid base. This step ensures that each serving ends with that signature crispiness everyone loves. When spreading the ham mixture, be sure to cover the tater tots thoroughly for even flavor distribution.

Tips/tricks

Here are a few tips to make your casserole even better:

• Use fresh ingredients: While leftovers are the star, using fresh mixed vegetables enhances flavor and nutrition.
• Try different cheeses: Though cheddar adds a classic touch, experimenting with Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a delightful twist.
• Season wisely: The right amount of salt and pepper can transform the dish. Adjust based on your personal preference.

Perfecting Your Casserole

Perfecting results

Perfecting your tasty leftover ham and tater tot casserole is all about timing and monitoring. Watch the tater tots closely towards the end of baking to ensure they turn a beautiful golden brown. This balance of textures is what everyone anticipates when they dig into a casserole.

Letting the casserole cool slightly after baking is key. This brief rest time allows it to set, making cutting and serving easier. Plus, it lets the flavors merge, enhancing the overall taste.

Troubleshooting/variations

No casserole has to be set in stone. If you encounter any issues or wish to adapt, consider these troubleshooting tips:

• Dry casserole: If your casserole turns out dry, adding more sauce can help. A little extra cream of mushroom soup or even a splash of broth can rejuvenate the dish.
• Too soggy: If you find your casserole is too wet, consider using less milk next time, or bake it a bit longer to evaporate some excess moisture before serving.
• Flavor adjustment: If you want to amp up the flavor, toss in some garlic, onion powder, or even some herbs like thyme and rosemary for added depth.

Serving Your Casserole

Serving/presentation

Presenting your casserole beautifully can elevate the dining experience. Cut into even squares and serve directly from the baking dish. A sprinkle of chopped parsley can add a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing.

Encourage diners to scoop out their portion and enjoy the layers of flavor packed within. The inviting aroma alone will entice everyone to dig in.

Pairings/storage

Serve your tasty leftover ham and tater tot casserole with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. This combination complements the richness of the dish without overwhelming the palate.

For storage, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. This casserole can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore its crispy topping or use the microwave for a quick meal.

In just a few steps, you can turn leftover ham into a delightful and comforting casserole that feeds the soul. This dish’s heartiness and ease make it a perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or gatherings. With its wonderful flavors and textures, it satisfies both the stomach and a longing for home-cooked goodness.

Tasty Leftover Ham and Tater Tot Casserole

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A comforting casserole that transforms leftover ham and tater tots into a delightful meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups leftover ham, diced
• 4 cups tater tots
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well.
3. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the tater tots evenly on the bottom.
4. Pour the ham mixture over the tater tots, spreading it out evenly.
5. Top with the remaining tater tots and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, try different types of cheese or fresh vegetables. Make sure to let the casserole cool slightly before serving for easier cutting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: casserole, ham, tater tots, comfort food, easy dinner