Amish Harvest Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Dish
Experience the warmth and simplicity of Amish cooking with this Amish Harvest Casserole. Packed with ground beef, a medley of vegetables, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish embodies comfort and tradition. It’s an ideal one-pot meal for family dinners, bringing everyone together around the table.
Ingredients
For the Base
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g)
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
For the Vegetables
- Carrots: 1 cup, sliced
- Potatoes: 1 cup, diced
- Corn Kernels: 1 cup
- Green Beans: 1 cup, chopped
For the Sauce
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz or 300g)
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon
For the Topping
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
2. Layer the Vegetables
- Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, corn kernels, and chopped green beans over the beef mixture in the slow cooker.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the vegetables and beef in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure even distribution.
4. Slow Cook
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the Topping
- Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Melt Cheese: Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
6. Serve
- Rest: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Enjoy: Serve hot, perhaps with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Vegetable Sizes: Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Advance Preparation: You can prep the vegetables the night before and store them in the refrigerator to save time.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid: Refrain from opening the slow cooker frequently, as it releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it set and enhances flavor.
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add more vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair with crusty bread, a green salad, or steamed broccoli.
- Beverage: Enjoy with a glass of apple cider for a complete meal experience.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used. Substitute with three times the amount of fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Browning the beef enhances flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can add it directly to the slow cooker.
Can I cook this on high to reduce cooking time?
Cooking on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours is possible, but for best results, the LOW setting is recommended to allow flavors to meld.
Conclusion
The Amish Harvest Casserole is a delightful blend of hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity and wholesomeness make it a cherished dish in many households. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Subscribe to our blog for more traditional recipes and cooking tips!
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Amish Harvest Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: : 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: : 6 to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Traditional Amish
Description
Experience the simplicity and warmth of Amish cooking with this Amish Harvest Casserole. Featuring layers of ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar, this dish is the perfect one-pot meal for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) 🥩
- Onion: 1, chopped 🧅
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced 🧄
- Salt: 1 teaspoon 🧂
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon 🌶️
For the Vegetables:
- Carrots: 1 cup, sliced 🥕
- Potatoes: 1 cup, diced 🥔
- Corn Kernels: 1 cup 🌽
- Green Beans: 1 cup, chopped 🥗
For the Sauce:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) 🍄
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon 🌿
- Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon 🌿
For the Topping:
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded 🧀
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
2. Layer the Vegetables
- Add carrots, potatoes, corn kernels, and green beans over the beef mixture in the slow cooker.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, dried thyme, and dried parsley in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring gently for even distribution.
4. Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours until vegetables are tender.
5. Add the Topping
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the casserole 30 minutes before serving. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted.
6. Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy!
Notes
- Use uniform vegetable sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to maintain consistent heat.
