Introduction
The Amish Harvest Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This slow-cooker recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, providing a warm and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Base:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables:
– 1 cup carrots, sliced
– 1 cup potatoes, diced
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 cup green beans, chopped
Sauce:
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Topping:
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Prep Time
Prep time for the Amish Harvest Casserole is approximately 20 minutes, which includes chopping vegetables and preparing the base.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time in the slow cooker is 6-8 hours on LOW. The total time from start to finish is around 6-8 hours and 20 minutes. This recipe yields about 4-6 servings, making it an excellent option for family meals or gatherings.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, and season with salt and black pepper. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
2. Add Vegetables and Sauce:
– Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, corn kernels, and chopped green beans to the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with dried thyme and dried parsley. Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
3. Cook:
– Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add Cheese:
– About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
5. Serve:
– Once cooked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
– Vegetable Preparation: Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
– Make-Ahead: You can prepare the vegetables the night before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
– Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
– Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
– Vegetables: Add mushrooms or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
– Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends to suit your taste.
– Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables or a meat substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the casserole with crusty bread, a green salad, steamed broccoli, or a glass of apple cider for a complete meal. This Amish Harvest Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a versatile dish suitable for any occasion. Enjoy this slice of cozy, homestyle cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent. Season with salt and black pepper. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
Add Vegetables and Sauce
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, corn kernels, and chopped green beans to the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with dried thyme and dried parsley. Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
Serve
Once cooked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Vegetable Preparation
Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Make-Ahead
You can prepare the vegetables the night before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Storage
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
Protein
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Vegetables
Add mushrooms or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
Cheese
Experiment with different cheese blends to suit your taste.
Vegetarian Option
Omit the meat and add extra vegetables or a meat substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Complete Meal
Pair the casserole with crusty bread, a green salad, steamed broccoli, or a glass of apple cider for a complete meal.
Cook Techniques
Ground Beef Cooking
To cook ground beef, use a skillet over medium heat. Break the meat apart with a spatula and browning until it’s no longer pink, ensuring a flavorful base for the dish.
Vegetable Preparation
Chop vegetables into even-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking. This helps achieve the perfect tenderness and texture in the final casserole.
Slow Cooking
When using a slow cooker, layer the ingredients starting with the meat mixture followed by vegetables and sauce. This ensures that each component cooks evenly. Cover and set to low for 6-8 hours for best results.
Cheese Melting
Adding cheese towards the end of the cooking process allows it to melt properly without burning, creating a delightful cheesy topping that enhances the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Omit the meat and replace it with additional vegetables or a meat substitute.
What should I serve with the casserole?
The casserole pairs well with crusty bread, green salad, steamed broccoli, or a glass of apple cider.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables the night before and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and cook the casserole.
Conclusion
The Amish Harvest Casserole is an ideal choice for a comforting meal, perfectly combining the richness of ground beef, the freshness of vegetables, and the creaminess of sauce, all topped with delicious cheddar cheese. Its versatility allows it to cater to various dietary preferences and makes it a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Swap out the ground beef for chicken and add fresh or frozen broccoli for a tasty twist. Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a rich flavor.
Vegetarian Harvest Casserole
Eliminate the meat and combine a medley of seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, squash, and bell peppers. Utilize a creamy plant-based sauce to enhance the flavor.
Mexican-Style Casserole
Incorporate ground beef with taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and serve with tortilla chips.
Italian-Inspired Casserole
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, and add marinara sauce along with spinach and bell peppers. Top with mozzarella cheese for a delightful Italian flair.
Shepherd’s Pie Variation
Replace the cheese topping with a layer of mashed potatoes for a comforting shepherd’s pie. Use lamb or beef and add peas and carrots for a homey touch.
