Amish Harvest Casserole

Amish Harvest Casserole

Are you looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to make? Look no further than Amish Harvest Casserole. This dish brings together classic ingredients that deliver a satisfying experience for the whole family. With ground beef, mixed vegetables, and cheese, this recipe provides both nourishment and deliciousness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal for gatherings.

Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, you can whip up this delightful casserole with just a few simple steps. Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how you can easily prepare it.

Why Make This Recipe

Amish Harvest Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food. Here are a few reasons why you should make this dish:

• Simple Ingredients: You likely have many of these ingredients in your pantry already. It uses ground beef, mixed vegetables, and pasta or rice, along with a few staples like onion, garlic, and cream of mushroom soup.
• One-Dish Meal: This casserole is a complete meal in one dish. It combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a balanced choice for dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Kids often enjoy casseroles, and the cheesy topping makes it even more appealing. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while still satisfying their taste buds.
• Versatile: You can customize the recipe to your taste. Add different vegetables or swap out the meat for chicken or turkey if you prefer.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole can be made ahead and frozen for later use. It’s convenient for those busy days when you need a quick meal on hand.

Now that you understand the merits of this delicious casserole, let’s move on to how you can make it.

How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole

Making Amish Harvest Casserole is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced cooking techniques. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy dish in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., corn, green beans, carrots)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked pasta or rice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
4. Stir in the mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cooked pasta or rice, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

Once you have followed these directions, you will have a warm, bubbling casserole that is sure to please!

How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole

Serving Amish Harvest Casserole is as easy as it gets. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Plate It Up: Serve generous portions on a plate. This dish is filling on its own, but you can add a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal.
• Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or Italian herbs over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Pairing: A glass of iced tea or lemonade pairs beautifully with this casserole, making it feel like a cozy home-cooked meal.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a quick meal the next day.

How to Store Amish Harvest Casserole

Storing Amish Harvest Casserole is simple. Here’s how you can do it:

• Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil after it has cooled. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Tips to Make Amish Harvest Casserole

• Beef Variations: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetable Choices: Use your favorite vegetables or whatever is in your fridge. You can even use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend can change the flavor profile.
• Add Spices: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Cream Soup Alternatives: If you want a healthier option, you might opt for a homemade cream sauce using heavy cream and flour instead of store-bought soup.

Variation

While the classic recipe is comforting as it is, here are some variations to consider:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables or beans for a hearty vegetarian casserole.
• Mexican Twist: Add salsa and black beans instead of the cream of mushroom soup, and top with Mexican cheese for a Tex-Mex version.
• Italian Style: Incorporate marinara sauce and Italian sausages for an Italian take on this casserole, adding Italian seasoning for flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Amish Harvest Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when it is heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (75°C).

Can I add more vegetables?

Certainly! You can include additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.

In conclusion, Amish Harvest Casserole is a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and nourishment to your table. With its straightforward preparation and the ability to customize it to your liking, it stands as a perfect choice for any home cook. Enjoy making this dish, and let the aroma fill your kitchen with the love of home-cooked meals.

Amish Harvest Casserole

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• Author: amanda-hart
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A hearty and comforting one-dish meal featuring ground beef, mixed vegetables, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., corn, green beans, carrots)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked pasta or rice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
4. Stir in the mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cooked pasta or rice, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat at 350°F until heated through.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, easy recipe, family meal, ground beef