Description
Hearty Amish harvest casserole brings wholesome comfort to midwestern dinner tables. Creamy layers of seasonal vegetables and tender proteins create a satisfying meal that connects families around warm, welcoming plates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup (150 g) cooked rice (white or brown)
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (25 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2 tbsps melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage to prevent sticking.
- Meat Foundation: In a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cook ground meat until no pink remains, draining excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent.
- Vegetable Integration: Introduce zucchini and carrots to the skillet, stirring gently to soften and meld with meat flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, distributing herbs evenly.
- Mixture Composition: Combine cooked rice in a large mixing bowl, folding in the meat-vegetable medley. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup and milk, creating a creamy, unified texture. Gently mix in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assembly and Topping: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Blend breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this golden topping across the casserole surface.
- Baking Process: Place in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, baking until the top achieves a rich golden-brown color and edges begin to bubble. Allow to rest for several minutes after removing from oven.
- Finishing Touch: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbal accent before serving.
Notes
- Choose Lean Meat: Select ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, reducing overall fat content while maintaining protein-rich nutrition.
- Vegetable Flexibility: Swap zucchini and carrots with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or cauliflower to keep the dish versatile and exciting.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond meal to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Enhance Moisture Balance: If the casserole appears dry during baking, add a splash of chicken broth or extra milk to maintain a creamy, smooth texture without compromising flavor integrity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg