Cheesy Ham & Green Beans

                                                                         

This casserole came into being because my husband requested Ham & Green Beans but made with cheese! So our PA Dutch Ham & Green Beans became this hearty casserole that is made with our traditional ingredients except it is now loaded with cheddar cheese! We loved it & I know that you will too!

 

2 Pounds of Ham Cubed into bite sized chunks

2 Pounds Frozen Green Beans Thawed

1 Onion Chopped

6 Large Potatoes Peeled & Sliced

2 Cups Bread Crumbs

1 Teaspoon Each, Garlic Powder, Pepper, Onion Powder, Paprika, & Parsley

For The Sauce:

4 Tablespoons Each Butter & Flour

3 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 Cup Velveeta Cheese

3 Cups Milk

 

In a large Casserole place a layer of 1/2 of the beans. Then do a layer over the beans of 1/2 of the onion. Next layer 1/2 of the sliced potatoes. Now layer 1/2 of the ham. Repeat your layers. Now prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a large saucepan or skillet. Whisk in the flour. Now slowly whisk in the milk a bit at a time whisking the milk smooth as you cook over medium heat. Continue to cook & whisk over medium high heat until milk thickens, whisk in the cheese & cook & whisk over low until cheese is melted. Remove from heat & pour over your casserole layers. Poke a knife down through the casserole every few inches to ease cheese sauce down through the layers. Now bake COVERED in a 350 degree oven for 1 & 1/2 hours then remove from oven & cover the top with first the bread crumbs & then sprinkle the seasonings over the top. Return to the oven & bake another 1/2 hour checking with a sharp knife to test the potatoes to make sure they are soft. if still firm return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked thoroughly! THIS IS DELICIOUS & great with a hot crusty bread or biscuits! ENJOY! Serves 6 ample portions