Some of the best suppers I ever learned came from watching a thrifty mother make do with what was already in the pantry, and this oven baked 4-ingredient ham linfield is just that kind of dish. It is humble, filling, and wonderfully comforting, built from simple potatoes, chopped ham, a creamy soup base, and a little cheese to hold it all together in the oven. It has that old-fashioned Midwestern casserole spirit to it, the sort of dependable baking dish that can feed a table without straining the grocery money.
Serve this hot from the oven with buttered green beans, sweet peas, or a crisp cabbage slaw to balance the richness. A pan of cornbread or a few slices of sandwich bread are welcome alongside for soaking up every creamy bit, and if you want to stretch it even farther, a simple applesauce or pickled beets on the side make it feel like a full country supper.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Ham Linfield
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch clear glass baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the thawed hash browns, diced ham, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar until evenly combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is lightly browned around the edges.
6. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting into 6 portions and serving warm.
Variations & Tips
Soup swap: If cream of mushroom is not your family's favorite, cream of celery or cream of chicken works just as well and keeps that same old-fashioned casserole texture.
Cheese choice: Colby, Monterey Jack, or a thrifty bag of sharp cheddar blend can be used in place of plain cheddar. A sharper cheese gives more flavor if your ham is on the mild side.
Make it stretch farther: Stir in a cup or two of cooked peas, corn, or sautéed onions if you need to feed a few more folks from the same pan. That is the kind of kitchen stretching many of us were raised on.
Texture tip: Be sure the hash browns are thawed before mixing so the casserole bakes evenly and does not turn watery in the center.
Make-ahead note: Assemble the dish earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
