Amish Hamburger with Fall Veggies Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of ground beef and a medley of vegetables makes for a filling meal that pleases both adults and children.

• Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizing fall vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery brings out the best flavors of the season.

• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all levels.

• One-Dish Convenience: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Medium onion

• Garlic cloves

• Diced potatoes

• Diced carrots

• Diced celery

• Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• Diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)

• Beef broth

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Dried thyme

• Dried rosemary

• Olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Root Vegetables: Incorporate the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery into the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the corn kernels, cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

6. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

7. Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Rest and Serve: Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.

• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to introduce some heat.

• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack to alter the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

What can I serve with this bake?

This dish pairs well with a fresh garden salad or a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready.

Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

Yes, assemble the dish without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional hearty vegetables like mushrooms and increase the quantity of other veggies.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely, use about 1.5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes in place of the canned diced tomatoes.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy content and texture.

How do I know when the bake is done?

The casserole is ready when the vegetables are tender, and the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

Can I add pasta or rice to this dish?

It's best to serve pasta or rice on the side, as adding them directly may affect the cooking time and liquid ratios.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure that all ingredients, including beef broth and any seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.