Amish Winter Bliss Casserole

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When the cold sets in and you crave something hearty, wholesome, and deeply satisfying, the Amish Winter Bliss Casserole hits the mark perfectly. This comforting dish brings together tender chunks of potato, juicy ground beef, sweet carrots, and crisp green beans all baked in a savory, subtly spiced tomato-based sauce. It’s rustic, nourishing, and ideal for feeding the whole family with minimal fuss.

Inspired by traditional Amish cooking, this casserole is the kind of meal that makes a house feel like a home. Every bite is packed with the kind of flavor that can only come from slow cooking and simple, quality ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or batch-prepping for the week ahead, this one-pan wonder will become a regular favorite during chilly months.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Winter Bliss Casserole

• One-dish wonder: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Full of hearty vegetables and protein to keep you satisfied.
• Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and ideal for leftovers.
• Budget-conscious ingredients that stretch far.
• Comfort food that feels homemade and wholesome.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this casserole efficiently, a few key kitchen tools are essential:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: To brown the ground beef and develop flavor before baking.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For chopping potatoes, carrots, and prepping your vegetables evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: To toss ingredients with seasoning and sauce before layering into your dish.
• 9×13 Glass Baking Dish: This ensures even cooking and allows you to see the bubbling goodness as it bakes.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover the dish while baking to lock in moisture before uncovering for the final browning.

Each of these tools supports both ease and efficiency, reducing cooking time and enhancing the final texture of the dish.

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Preparation Tips

Use waxy or gold potatoes for a tender but firm texture that holds up during baking. Try to cut all vegetables into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking throughout. Browning the ground beef until it’s slightly crispy adds depth to the flavor—don’t rush this step. Drain excess grease before combining with the rest of the ingredients to prevent the dish from becoming too oily. Finally, taste your seasoning before baking and adjust salt and pepper if needed—once it’s in the oven, the flavors are locked in!

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Ingredients for this Amish Winter Bliss Casserole

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped into 1-inch cubes
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

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Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until beef is fully browned and onions are soft, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

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Step 3: Season the Meat

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to develop depth in the flavor.

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Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with chopped potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Mix until everything is evenly coated with sauce.

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Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so the vegetables and beef are well-distributed.

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Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to allow vegetables to soften and flavors to meld together.

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Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking

After 50 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. This helps develop a slightly crispy top layer and allows some of the liquid to reduce.

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Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once baking is complete, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier. Serve warm as a hearty standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread.

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Notes

This casserole is very forgiving and flexible. You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef, or swap out vegetables depending on what’s in season or in your fridge. If you want to make it vegetarian, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Adding shredded cheese on top for the final 10 minutes of baking can also take this dish to another level of indulgence. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with herbs or spices that suit your taste.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan when browning meat – this can cause steaming instead of searing, leading to less flavor.
• Skipping the seasoning phase – seasoning your beef while cooking is crucial to ensure rich taste throughout.
• Cutting vegetables unevenly – inconsistent sizes will cause uneven cooking, with some parts undercooked or too mushy.
• Forgetting to cover the casserole while baking – this traps in steam and keeps everything moist during the first phase of baking.
• Using too much liquid – the vegetables release moisture as they cook, so stick to the recommended amount to avoid a watery dish.

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Storage Instructions

Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for individual servings or in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry during reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving – based on 6 servings total)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 520mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, but add them during the last 15 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking them.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

Is it possible to cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Make sure potatoes and carrots are fully cooked before serving.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, shredded cheddar or mozzarella works beautifully. Add it in the final 10–15 minutes of baking, uncovered.

What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or even coleslaw for added crunch and freshness.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Yes! All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce or tomato products for additives.

How can I make it lower in sodium?

Use low-sodium tomato sauce, broth, and season with herbs instead of salt to control the sodium level.

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Conclusion

The Amish Winter Bliss Casserole is a true cold-weather hero. It’s hearty, wholesome, and a complete meal in one dish. With endless ways to customize and easy make-ahead options, it’s a fantastic recipe to keep in rotation during busy seasons. From its rustic charm to its crowd-pleasing flavors, this casserole brings warmth to every table.

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