Amish Hearth Casserole

Amish Hearth Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that is full of flavor and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. This casserole combines tender meat, vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a filling meal. Here’s a simple recipe for this Amish-inspired casserole:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen corn)

• 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained (or 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen green beans)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

• 2 cups cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes (optional, depending on your preference)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the Meat:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

   • Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

   • Drain any excess fat from the meat and return it to the skillet.

3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat and vegetables with the corn, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

   • Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir it into the mixture.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • If you’re using cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, layer them at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

   • Spread the meat and vegetable mixture over the noodles or potatoes. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.

5. Bake the Casserole:

   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.

   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

6. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread.

Tips:

• Meat Substitutes: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.

• Vegetable Options: Feel free to swap out the green beans and corn for other vegetables like peas, carrots, or zucchini.

• Add a Crunch: For some extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking.

This Amish Hearth Casserole is simple, satisfying, and full of comforting flavors, perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy nights. Would you like more variations or other casserole ideas?