Creamy Ham, Potato, and Broccoli Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

This Creamy Ham, Potato, and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish! It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a recipe anyone can master. Get ready to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more!

## Why You’ll Love This Casserole

* **Comforting and Delicious:** The combination of creamy sauce, tender potatoes, savory ham, and fresh broccoli is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** This casserole requires minimal prep time and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings to create your own unique version.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping.
* **Family-Friendly:** This is a dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds, peeled and cubed. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well.
* **Broccoli:** 1 large head, cut into florets (about 4 cups).
* **Ham:** 2 cups, cooked and cubed. Leftover ham is perfect!
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons).
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup.
* **Milk:** 3 cups. Whole milk or 2% milk will provide the best creaminess.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup. Low-sodium broth is recommended.
* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded. Divided into 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup for topping.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Optional:** Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup) mixed with melted butter (2 tablespoons) for topping.

## Equipment

* Large pot for boiling potatoes
* Steamer basket (optional, for steaming broccoli)
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large saucepan
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly.
2. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. The salt helps season the potatoes as they cook.
3. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. They should be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy.
4. Drain the potatoes well in a colander and set them aside.

### Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cold water. Cut off the florets from the main stalk. Discard the tough, woody ends of the stalk.
2. There are two ways to cook the broccoli: boiling or steaming. Steaming is the preferred method as it helps retain more nutrients and prevents the broccoli from becoming waterlogged.
* **Steaming:** Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking, as the broccoli will continue to cook in the oven.
* **Boiling:** Alternatively, you can boil the broccoli. Add the florets to boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain well.
3. Once cooked, set the broccoli aside.

### Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Ensure the butter doesn’t burn.
2. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Continue whisking to prevent any lumps from forming.
3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to incorporate it into the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the chicken broth to the saucepan and continue whisking. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

### Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
3. In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked potatoes, broccoli florets, and cubed ham. Distribute the ingredients evenly across the dish.
4. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the potato, broccoli, and ham mixture. Make sure the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden-brown and bubbly crust.
6. Optional: If desired, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole for added texture and crunch.

### Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

## Tips and Variations

* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack would all be delicious additions or substitutions for cheddar cheese.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or carrots for extra nutrients and flavor. Make sure to cook them until tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole.
* **Meat Substitutions:** If you don’t have ham on hand, you can use cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage instead. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
* **Breadcrumb Topping:** For a crispier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cream sauce.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use dairy-free milk and cheese substitutes to make this casserole dairy-free. Be sure to choose products that melt well for the best results.

## Serving Suggestions

* This casserole is delicious on its own as a complete meal.
* Serve it with a side salad for a lighter meal.
* It also pairs well with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans.
* For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

## Printable Recipe Card

## Conclusion

This Creamy Ham, Potato, and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying casserole that will leave you feeling happy and content!

Enjoy!