Amish Winter Bliss Casserole

Amish Winter Bliss Casserole captures everything comforting about home-cooked food — hearty beef, colorful vegetables, tender noodles, and a golden layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, filling your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

I first discovered this dish at a small Amish market on a chilly weekend morning, surrounded by the scent of homemade bread and simmering stews. Since then, it’s become a family favorite — humble, satisfying, and full of rustic charm. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday dinners, this casserole proves that the simplest recipes often taste the best.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
4. Add vegetables: Stir in carrots, green beans, and corn. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Combine with noodles: Fold in the cooked egg noodles and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until evenly combined.
7. Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Finish: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
9. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• Make it ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance; refrigerate and bake before serving.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella for a twist.
• Add creaminess: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream or cream of mushroom soup before baking.

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Amish Winter Bliss Casserole

Prep Time: 20 mins   |   Cook Time: 30 mins   |   Total Time: 50 mins

Yield: 6–8 servings   |   Course: Main Course   |   Cuisine: Amish, American

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Instructions

1. Brown beef and onion, drain fat.
2. Add garlic, vegetables, and simmer with tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
3. Fold in noodles and half of the cheese.
4. Transfer to dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25–30 mins at 350°F.
5. Let rest a few minutes, then serve warm.

Pro Tip: For extra richness, sprinkle crispy fried onions or buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking!