Hearty casseroles are one of my favorite one dish meals. The reasons I could list would probably go on far longer than you'd like to spend the time reading. Most casseroles can be successfully made ahead of time, and they're waiting for you when you're ready to prepare a meal. We all lead such hectic lives, that utilizing time saving techniques like make ahead meals, can really lower your stress level. You'll also be less likely to go the fast food route for dinner saving money to boot! This casserole can be served as a main dish or a side dish, and the classic combination of ham, cheese and potatoes is so filling and satisfying. 
You'll need:
32 oz. frozen cubed hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 1lb. fully cooked ham steak, cubed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
for the sauce:
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
1 10 3/4 oz. can cheddar cheese soup
2/3 cup *Cheez Whiz or similar
1 1.6 oz. pkg. garlic-herb sauce mix [I used Knorr]
8 oz. light sour cream
1/2 cup light margarine, melted
2 tsp. dijon mustard
black pepper to taste
for the topping:
1 cup of cheddar-garlic crumbs [I used cheddar-garlic Texas Toast croutons]
2 Tbs. melted light margarine
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until fully combined. Milk, cheddar cheese soup, cheez whiz, dry sauce mix, sour cream, melted margarine, dijon mustard and black pepper to taste.
Add the thawed hashbrowns, cubed ham and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
Pour into the prepared dish, and top with the remaining cheese. Crush the croutons and toss with two tablespoons of melted margarine, then sprinkle on top. Place into the oven.
Bake for 55-60 minutes until bubbly, golden and the potatoes are fork tender. Rest for 10 minutes on the counter to allow the sauce to thicken before serving. Yield: 8-10 servings
Cook's note:
I used a 5 ounce bag of croutons for the topping. I pulsed them in my food processor, then tossed with melted margarine. You can substitute your favorite cracker if desired.
*Cheez Whiz is a brand of soft cheese sold in a jar. Any brand of cheese will work in this recipe.
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