Description
Hearty Amish harvest casserole brings comfort and nostalgia from Pennsylvania’s rural kitchens, blending classic ingredients with generations of culinary tradition. Home cooks savor this rich, satisfying dish that connects families through simple, wholesome flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
Vegetables and Rice:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 cup (150 g) cooked rice (white or brown)
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 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 generously coating a 9×13-inch dish with butter or cooking spray, then position the oven rack to ensure even heating at 375F (190C).
- In a spacious skillet, brown the ground protein thoroughly, eliminating excess grease. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce zucchini and carrots to the meat mixture, allowing the vegetables to soften and meld with the protein. Season the ensemble with a judicious blend of salt, freshly cracked pepper, and aromatic thyme.
- Transfer the skillet contents to a generous mixing bowl, combining with cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the ingredients create a harmonious, creamy consistency.
- Distribute the mixed contents uniformly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
- For those desiring additional texture, craft a crisp topping by blending breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Delicately sprinkle this mixture across the casserole’s surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the top transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the interior bubbles with appetizing enthusiasm, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and permit the casserole to rest momentarily, allowing flavors to settle. Optional fresh parsley can provide a vibrant garnish before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
- Use low-fat dairy and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup to create a healthier adaptation without compromising flavor.
- Replace traditional white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrates and increase nutritional value for low-carb diets.
- Create a gluten-free variation by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking soup ingredients for hidden wheat-based additives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg