Amish Winter Bliss Casserole
When the cold winds whistle through the countryside and frost dusts the farmhouse windows, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, home-baked dish to warm both body and heart. The Amish Winter Bliss casserole is exactly that — a rustic medley of ground beef, tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and sweet carrots baked to perfection in a savory, comforting sauce.
The Story Behind Amish Winter Bliss
Amish recipes are known for their practicality and purity — meals that nourish without pretense. “Winter Bliss” was often prepared after long days of working in the snow, using vegetables stored in the root cellar and preserved meats from the fall harvest. Everything came together in one dish that could feed a family and still taste just as good the next day. This casserole carries that tradition forward: easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for one large baking dish (serves 4–6):
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Potatoes, peeled and cubed | 3 medium |
| Carrots, sliced thick | 2 |
| Fresh or frozen green beans | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
| Butter or olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
- 1. Preheat and PrepPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish.
- 2. Cook the BeefIn a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat olive oil). Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. **Drain excess fat.**
- 3. Season and SimmerAdd tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about **5 minutes** until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 4. Assemble the BlissLayer the potatoes, carrots, and green beans in the baking dish. Pour the beef mixture evenly over the vegetables, making sure everything is coated with sauce.
- 5. Bake to PerfectionCover the dish with foil and bake for **35–40 minutes**, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil for the last **10 minutes** to allow the top to caramelize slightly.
- 6. Serve and SavorLet it rest for **5 minutes** before serving. The flavors deepen as it cools slightly, making every bite rich and cozy.
Tips and Variations
- **Make it creamier:** Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce before baking.
- **Add more veggies:** Corn, peas, or even diced parsnips blend beautifully with the base flavors.
- **For a vegetarian twist:** Substitute lentils or crumbled tempeh for the beef, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
**Why It’s Called “Winter Bliss”**: Every bite feels like home — the gentle sweetness of carrots, the earthy comfort of potatoes, and the hearty richness of the sauce coming together in harmony. It’s not fancy, but it’s deeply satisfying — the kind of food that makes you close your eyes and smile.