School Night Ham and Potato Hot Dish

Posted November 19, 2025 by Prairie Wife -

I have to say, 75% of the time we eat red meat around here! Whether it’s Elk, Deer, Antelope, or Beef, many of the recipes I share are red meat or chicken. So, when I found myself staring into our open freezer, wondering yet again what to make for dinner, and spotted two bags of chopped, frozen ham, I decided to make something with ham… just to mix things up a bit!

The Cowboy, in particular, was a HUGE fan of this casserole or “hot dish” as my midwestern family would call it. When I made it a second time and it was just as popular, I decided it was time to get this recipe up on the blog for other families to enjoy. Per usual, this meal is hearty and quick to make. Feel free to add vegetables to it. I think it would be great with broccoli and cauliflower, or serve it with a fresh salad to make it a more balanced meal.

School Night Ham and Potato Hot Dish
Prep Time: 10 min Cook/Bake Time: 20 – 30 min

Ingredients
2 1/2 Cups Diced/Cubed Cooked Ham
8 Large Potatoes Diced
1/4 Stick Butter
1 Small Onion Chopped
4 Cloves of Garlic Minced
1 1/2 Cups of Heavy Cream
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 Heaping TBSP of Flour
2 Tsp Parsley
1/2 Tsp Nutmeg
1/4 cup Bread Crumbs
1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1. Start a pot of water boiling on the stove while you chop up your potatoes.
2. Set oven to 375 degrees.
3. Place potatoes in boiling water and cook until tender, drain, and put in 9 X 13 casserole dish.
4. While the potatoes are boiling, put the butter, onion, and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until onions begin to soften.
5. Add cream, salt, pepper, flour, parsley, and nutmeg into the butter, garlic, and onion mixture. Stir until gently boiling.
6. Pour the sauce over the potatoes, add the ham, and stir until combined.
7. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the mixture.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the mixture.
9. Place the casserole dish into the oven (uncovered) and bake for 10 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes and sauce are gently bubbling.
10. Serve warm.

Looking for more easy school night recipes? Take a look at this two-week meal plan!

Categories: Recipes, This and That

Tags: , busy moms, casseroles, food for big families, ham, hearty food, hot dish, large family, low cost meals, potato dish, recipes, school night recipe