Amish Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Experience the heartwarming flavors of Amish cuisine with this comforting and delicious Amish Ground Beef Casserole. This recipe brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Let’s embark on a culinary journey and savor the rustic charm of Amish cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
3. Cook Onions and Mushrooms: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cooked onions and mushrooms over the meat crust in the baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the vegetables.
6. Pour Sauce Over: Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring that it covers the entire surface of the casserole.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
8. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this casserole, you can omit the ground beef and use additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using almond flour as the binder instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, especially the Worcestershire sauce, as some brands may contain gluten.
• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or sprinkle some dried herbs such as thyme or oregano for extra flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, so adjust seasoning as needed.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Once cooled, cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this casserole, use full-fat ingredients and omit the almond flour or use a keto-friendly binder such as crushed pork rinds or ground flaxseed. Be mindful of the onion and mushroom portions as they contain natural sugars. You can also reduce the amount of onion and replace mushrooms with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.

Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of almond flour used or omit it entirely. Use full-fat cheese and heavy cream to keep the carb count low. Additionally, you can add more vegetables and decrease the onion and mushroom quantities to further reduce carbs.

Amish Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Amish cuisine. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a gluten-free option, or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Give it a try and savor the warmth and nostalgia of Amish cooking with every bite!