Amish Harvest Casserole: A Warm Hug in a Dish

Ingredients 

To create this flavorful casserole, gather the following ingredients: 

• 1 lb ground beef 

• 1 medium onion, diced 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1 cup carrots, sliced 

• 1 cup potatoes, diced

• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color) 

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained 

• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) 

• 1 tsp salt 

• 1/2 tsp black pepper 

• 1/2 tsp paprika 

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano 

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme 

• 1 cup beef broth 

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) 

• 2 tbsp butter (melted, if using breadcrumbs) 

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients 

Before you start cooking, wash, peel, and chop all your vegetables. Dice the onions, potatoes, and bell peppers, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots. 

Step 2: Cooking the Ground Beef 

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then toss in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. 

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed. 

Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables 

To the skillet, add the carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers. Stir well and let cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

Next, mix in the diced tomatoes, corn, salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasonings. 

Step 4: Adding the Broth and Simmering 

Pour in the beef broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. 

Step 5: Assembling the Casserole 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. 

Step 6: Adding Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping 

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. If you like a crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese. 

Step 7: Baking the Casserole 

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using breadcrumbs, bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden crust. 

Step 8: Serving and Enjoying 

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy this cozy, comforting meal! 

Final Thoughts 

This Amish Harvest Casserole is a perfect dish for fall evenings, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying meal. It combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Give it a try, and experience the warmth and comfort it brings to the table!

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