Of course. This is a hearty, comforting, and simple casserole that embodies the principles of Amish cooking: wholesome ingredients, practicality, and feeding a crowd.
Here is a classic recipe for Old-Fashioned Amish Beef and Potato Casserole, complete with background and tips for an authentic experience.
The Spirit of the Dish
Amish cooking, often called “Pennsylvania Dutch,” is known for its “stick-to-your-ribs” quality. This casserole is a perfect example. It’s not fancy or gourmet; it’s a layered, baked dish designed to be economical, use pantry staples, and provide sustenance for a large family after a long day of work.
—
Classic Amish Beef and Potato Casserole
This recipe yields a 9×13 inch casserole dish, serving 6-8 people.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Layer:
· 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 is best for flavor)
· 1 large onion, finely chopped
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
· ½ cup milk or beef broth
For the Potato Layer:
· 6-7 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work well), peeled and very thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· ½ teaspoon paprika (for color)
For the Topping:
· 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· Optional Garnish: chopped fresh parsley
—
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, condensed soup, and milk (or broth). Mix until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
4. Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with half of the salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Add the Meat Layer: Spread the entire beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
6. Top with Remaining Potatoes: Carefully arrange the remaining potato slices over the beef layer. Sprinkle with the remaining salt, pepper, and paprika.
7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
8. Check for Doneness: Carefully remove the foil. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. If they are still a bit firm, re-cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
9. Add Cheese and Brown: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut into neat squares. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
—
Tips for an Authentic Experience:
· Slice Potatoes Thinly: This is crucial! Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook through and become tender in the baking time. A mandoline slicer is perfect for this job.
· Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole sit after baking is not a suggestion—it’s a necessary step. It will be very juicy straight from the oven, and resting allows the liquids to be reabsorbed.
· Amish Variations: You’ll find many versions of this recipe in Amish communities. Some common additions include:
· Frozen Vegetables: A cup of frozen peas, corn, or green beans mixed into the beef layer.
· Sour Cream: A dollop (½ cup) of sour cream added to the soup mixture for extra richness and tang.
· Creamy Sauce Layer: Some recipes create a separate sauce layer with a mixture of soup, milk, and sour cream that is poured over the potatoes before adding the beef.
· Make it Your Own: This is a wonderfully adaptable recipe. Feel free to add other seasonings you like, such as a pinch of thyme or a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the beef.
Enjoy this simple, satisfying taste of Amish country comfort food