Cheesy Ham & Vegetable Mashed Potato Bake
This heartwarming Cheesy Ham & Vegetable Mashed Potato Bake offers a delicious twist on traditional shepherd's pie. Using tender, chopped ham instead of ground meat, this dish is not only a fantastic way to repurpose leftover ham, but it also boasts a medley of vibrant vegetables. Creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese create a comforting layer that will please the entire family. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a cozy weekend meal, and great for using frozen mixed vegetables for a quick preparation. Serve it with a simple green salad for a complete dinner!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ham
2 cups (chopped)
carrots
1 1/3 cups (chopped)
green beans
1 1/3 cups (cut into 1-inch pieces)
corn
1 1/3 cups (whole kernel)
potatoes
2 cups (mashed (boiled and peeled))
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
cream of celery soup
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
vegetable broth
1/2 cup (reserved from cooking vegetables)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
If using fresh potatoes, peel and boil 4-5 small potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Once done, drain and mash the potatoes.
3
If you're opting for fresh vegetables, chop the carrots and trim the green beans. In a pot, add the vegetables to boiling water and simmer until just tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the vegetables, reserving 1/2 cup of the vegetable broth.
4
While the potatoes and vegetables are cooking, chop the ham into bite-sized pieces.
5
In a large 3-quart (2.8 liter) casserole dish, combine the cream of celery soup and reserved vegetable broth. Mix in the chopped ham and drained vegetables until well-combined.
6
In a bowl, mash the potatoes with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Spoon this mixture over the ham and vegetable layer in the casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ham & Vegetable Mashed Potato Bake?
It is a comforting casserole featuring chopped ham and a medley of vegetables in a creamy soup base, topped with seasoned mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese.
What kind of ham should I use for this recipe?
Cooked, chopped ham is best for this dish. It is a perfect way to repurpose leftover ham from a holiday meal.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables like carrots, corn, and green beans work excellently and can help speed up the preparation process.
How many potatoes do I need to prepare?
You will need approximately 4 to 5 small potatoes to yield the 2 cups of mashed potatoes required for the topping.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you do not have cream of celery, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a delicious alternative.
How should the green beans be prepared?
Green beans should be trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces before being cooked or added to the casserole.
What size casserole dish is required?
A large 3-quart (2.8 liter) casserole dish is recommended for this recipe to ensure all ingredients fit comfortably.
Can I use pre-made or leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Using leftover mashed potatoes is a fantastic time-saver. Just ensure they are seasoned and mixed with the cream cheese for the best results.
How long does it take to bake this casserole?
The bake time is approximately 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is recommended, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Swiss cheese blend.
How do I make the potato topping extra creamy?
Mashing the potatoes with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper creates a very smooth and creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in the casserole dish and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it is cold.
How should I store leftover casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this recipe suitable for leftover ham?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed to be a great way to use up tender, chopped leftover ham.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Certainly! Peas, bell peppers, or even chopped broccoli would be excellent additions to the vegetable layer.
How do I prevent the bake from being too dry?
The combination of cream of celery soup and 1/2 cup of reserved vegetable broth ensures the ham and vegetable layer remains moist.
Can I freeze this mashed potato bake?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
A simple green salad or a side of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to this hearty casserole.
Can I substitute the ham with another protein?
Yes, cooked chicken or turkey can be used as a replacement for the ham if you prefer a different meat.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheddar cheese on top is completely melted and golden brown.
Do I need to boil fresh carrots and green beans first?
If using fresh vegetables, simmer them in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until just tender before adding them to the dish.
What is the purpose of the vegetable broth?
The broth is mixed with the soup to create a sauce that binds the ham and vegetables together and adds flavor.
Can I omit the cream cheese from the potatoes?
You can, but the cream cheese provides a rich flavor and velvety texture that sets this recipe apart.
How small should I chop the ham?
Chop the ham into small, bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the casserole.
Should I peel the potatoes for the mash?
Peeling the potatoes is recommended for a smoother topping, though you can leave them on for a more rustic, skin-on mash.
Can I use garlic cloves instead of powder?
Yes, you can use 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic. Sauté them briefly before mixing into the potatoes for better flavor integration.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of familiar ingredients like ham, corn, and cheesy potatoes makes it a hit with children.
How do I prepare the carrots?
Carrots should be peeled and chopped into small pieces to ensure they cook through properly.
What makes this different from a Shepherd's Pie?
While similar in structure, this dish uses chopped ham instead of ground meat and features a creamier soup-based sauce.