Cheesy Potato Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Parts

01 - 1 yellow onion, chopped into small pieces
02 - 6 cups frozen shredded hash browns (roughly 1 pound)
03 - 2 cups frozen broccoli, cut into small chunks
04 - 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, for cooking

→ Creamy Mixture

05 - 3 cups milk (any type – regular or unsweetened plant-based works)
06 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour mix
07 - 1 teaspoon fine table salt, to bring out the flavors
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, for a savory kick
10 - 1/2 teaspoon thyme (dried)

→ Final Add-Ins

11 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded fresh (reserve some for topping)
12 - 2 cups ham, pre-cooked and diced into cubes
13 - Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for a garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Warm up your oven to 400°F first. Then, grab a 9x13-inch dish, and coat it well with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt your butter over medium heat. Stir in the onion and broccoli, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and smell amazing.
03 - Add the flour and cook it for a minute, stirring, to get rid of the raw flavor. Slowly pour in your milk while whisking nonstop. Toss in all the seasonings and let it gently boil for a minute until thickened.
04 - Mix in the hash browns, ham, and 1 cup of the cheese. Stir it all well, then transfer it to the prepared dish. Scatter the rest of the cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes. Turn on the broiler for 3-5 minutes to get that golden, crispy topping.

# Notes:

01 - Combines the rich flavors of cheesy potatoes with the simplicity of frozen ingredients for an easy family meal.
02 - Great for weeknights when you want a hearty, comforting dish without spending ages cooking.
03 - Easily made ahead of time and popped in the oven when you're ready.