Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy)

This Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy) is a delightful blend of comfort and flavor, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The layers of tender potatoes and seasoned beef create a hearty meal that warms the soul. With its creamy sauce and melted cheese topping, this casserole shines in any season, making it a versatile dish for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Layers: The combination of beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce ensures every bite is satisfying and delicious.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this casserole quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Seasoned beef paired with creamy mushroom soup creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To make this casserole, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Mandoline (optional)
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for layering ingredients evenly, ensuring even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the beef and onions together while allowing enough space to break down the meat thoroughly.

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

• 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• kosher salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)

For the Potatoes

• 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled & thinly sliced (1/8-inch)

For the Sauce and Topping

• 2 cups cheddar, shredded (sharp preferred)
• 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or celery)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

How to Make Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for layering the casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Beef with Onion

In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned.
2. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
3. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to your liking.
4. Cook until most moisture has evaporated, about 6–8 minutes.
5. Spoon off all but 1–2 tablespoons of fat if necessary.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, garlic powder, thyme, and optional smoked paprika.
2. Whisk until smooth and pourable.

Step 4: Slice Potatoes & Season

Peel and slice russet potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds:
– A mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform slices quickly.
– Toss the potato slices with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper to season them evenly.

Step 5: Layer for Even Cooking

In your prepared baking dish:
1. Spread 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom.
2. Arrange half of the seasoned potato slices in overlapping layers.
3. Spoon half of the browned beef mixture evenly over potatoes.
4. Repeat with another layer of sauce, remaining potatoes, and remaining beef.
5. Finish by topping with the final third of sauce.

Step 6: Bake Covered, Then Finish with Cheese

Cover tightly with aluminum foil:
– Bake for 45–50 minutes until potatoes are just tender.
– Remove foil and scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
– Bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.

Step 7: Rest for Clean Slices

Let your casserole rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing:
– This allows the creamy layers to set properly for neat servings.

Enjoy your cozy serving of Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy)

Serving your Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this hearty dish with your loved ones.

Family Style

• Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, communal meal. This encourages everyone to dig in and share.

Individual Portions

• For a more formal presentation, scoop out individual servings onto plates. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy their meal without needing to serve themselves.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of each serving. This adds an aromatic touch and a pop of color to your plate.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad. A light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside slices of crusty bread or rolls. Guests can use them to scoop up the creamy layers, enhancing the overall comfort food experience.

Drizzled with Hot Sauce

• Offer a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick. A few drops can elevate the flavors and add an exciting zing to every bite.

How to Perfect Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy)

Perfecting this casserole means ensuring every layer is flavorful and cooked just right. Here are some tips to achieve that ultimate comfort dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality ground beef will enhance flavor and texture, making your casserole truly memorable.
• Layer Evenly: Make sure you distribute ingredients evenly in each layer for consistent cooking and flavor throughout.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings based on your preference to ensure every bite is delectable.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps all the layers set properly, making slicing and serving much easier.
• Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is great, try mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
• Cover Properly: Ensure your baking dish is covered tightly during the first part of baking to retain moisture and cook the potatoes thoroughly.

Best Side Dishes for Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy)

Pairing side dishes can enhance your dining experience with this flavorful casserole. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans provide crunch and freshness, complementing the richness of the casserole.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness; seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper makes them irresistible.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast in texture and taste; consider adding apples or raisins for sweetness.
4. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
5. Mixed Vegetable Medley: Sautéed seasonal vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers add color and nutrition to your meal.
6. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich casserole.
7. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For potato lovers, creamy mashed potatoes can serve as a comforting side that perfectly matches well with beef.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds sweetness and complements savory flavors beautifully; drizzle with butter for extra indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Not seasoning the beef: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Always season the beef with salt and pepper while cooking to enhance taste.
• Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the casserole too soon can make it fall apart. Allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking so that the layers set properly.
• Using uneven potato slices: Inconsistent thickness affects cooking times, leading to undercooked or overcooked potatoes. Aim for even 1/8-inch slices for optimal results.
• Overbaking or underbaking: Baking for too long can dry out the casserole, while not baking enough may leave potatoes hard. Follow the suggested cooking times closely and check for tenderness.
• Neglecting foil coverage: Failing to cover the dish can result in a dry casserole. Always cover tightly with foil during the initial baking phase to retain moisture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy)

• Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
• Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20–30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 2–4 minutes. Stir halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy) so special?

This casserole features tender layers of russet potatoes and seasoned ground beef, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that creates a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings.

Can I customize my Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole (Layered & Cozy)?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas, or swap out different cheeses based on your preference for added flavor.

How do I know when my casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown. A fork should easily pierce through the layers without resistance.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes! You can replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of cream soup for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

The Old-Fashioned Amish Beef & Potato Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks and can be customized with various ingredients. Give this cozy recipe a try, and enjoy warm servings that bring everyone together!