# Budget-Friendly Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole Recipe A complete family dinner menu that costs under ten dollars to prepare. - **Source:** [Money Saving Mom®](https://brifing.si/source/b2548fe6-a506-4df2-90df-f603f6574ea4) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b59d42ce-d802-48ab-8b72-b6b941bb7a92 ## Affordable Home Cooking Strategy This recipe transforms a traditional side dish into a substantial main course by incorporating diced deli meat. Designed for families, the meal focuses on utilizing pantry staples and discounted ingredients to maintain a strict budget. The total cost for six servings is calculated at exactly eight dollars and fifty cents. ## Ingredient Sourcing and Costs The primary components include potatoes, cheddar cheese, deli ham, milk, butter, and Parmesan. By sourcing items from discount retailers like Aldi and Publix, the cost per serving remains low. The inclusion of a raw vegetable plate with hummus adds nutritional variety while keeping the overall meal expenditure under ten dollars. ## Preparation and Cooking Process The process involves boiling potatoes before shredding them to achieve the desired texture, though frozen hash browns serve as a faster alternative. The mixture is combined with cheese and ham in a pan, then topped with a milk and butter sauce. Baking occurs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately one hour. ## Culinary Customization Options While the recipe specifies ham, the author suggests that various leftover meats like sausage can be substituted effectively. The vegetable side dish is highly flexible, allowing for the use of any available raw produce. This adaptability ensures the meal remains versatile based on what ingredients are currently on hand at home. ## Nutritional Profile Overview Each serving provides approximately 617 calories, with 29 grams of protein and 56 grams of carbohydrates. The dish contains 32 grams of fat and 1519 milligrams of sodium per portion. These metrics highlight the meal's role as a calorie-dense, filling option suitable for active families seeking quick and simple dinner solutions. ## Efficiency in Meal Planning The recipe is part of a broader series focused on ten-dollar dinner ideas designed for time-constrained parents. By leveraging coupons and rebates, the author demonstrates how to maximize grocery savings. The preparation method prioritizes speed and ease, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights requiring minimal active kitchen time. ## Technique for Optimal Texture The author emphasizes the importance of boiling whole potatoes before grating them, noting that skipping this step negatively impacts the final flavor. After grating, drying the potatoes thoroughly is essential for the correct consistency. A final broil for one to two minutes ensures the cheese topping achieves a browned, appetizing finish. ## Broader Context of Frugality This approach to meal planning reflects a growing trend of home-based cost management through strategic shopping and ingredient repurposing. By sharing specific price breakdowns for each component, the guide provides a transparent model for budget-conscious cooking. Such methods help households maintain nutritional standards while navigating rising food costs in daily life. ## Sources covering this story - https://moneysavingmom.com/cheesy-ham-and-potato-casserole-10-family-dinner-idea/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._