Description
Comforting Amish harvest casserole delivers hearty, nostalgic flavors straight from Pennsylvania’s countryside kitchens. Layers of creamy potatoes, savory meats, and seasonal vegetables promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
Dairy and Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (150 g) cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping (optional):
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup (25 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light layer of cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium flame and crumble the ground meat, cooking thoroughly until no pink remains, carefully draining accumulated fat.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until the aromatics become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
- Incorporate zucchini and carrots into the skillet, gently stirring and allowing vegetables to soften while absorbing the savory meat flavors.
- Season the mixture with a delicate blend of salt, freshly ground pepper, and dried thyme, ensuring an even distribution of herbs and spices.
- Transfer the cooked rice into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a foundation for the casserole’s rich texture.
- Fold in the meat and vegetable medley, blending smoothly with cream of mushroom soup and milk to create a cohesive, creamy consistency.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese throughout the mixture, stirring gently to distribute the melty goodness evenly.
- Carefully spread the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an uniform layer that promises delectable bites.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, crafting a golden, crispy topping that will crown the casserole.
- Delicately scatter the breadcrumb mixture across the surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing it to bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble tantalizingly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for several minutes, allowing flavors to settle and making it easier to serve.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal note before presenting to eager diners.
Notes
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and hearty texture.
- Use low-fat cheese and cream of mushroom soup to reduce overall calorie count while keeping the casserole creamy and satisfying.
- Choose brown rice instead of white rice to boost fiber and nutrient density, creating a more nutritionally balanced one-pan meal.
- Experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to add extra color, nutrition, and personalize the casserole’s flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg