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.
It’s a humble dish, inspired by the simplicity of Amish cooking — wholesome ingredients, one pan, and flavors that remind you of cozy winter evenings by the hearth.
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):
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 carrots, sliced thick
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1 cup fresh or frozen green beans
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp butter or olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish. -
Cook the Beef:
In 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. -
Season and Simmer:
Add 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. -
Assemble the Bliss:
Layer 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. -
Bake to Perfection:
Cover 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. -
Serve and Savor:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. The flavors deepen as it cools slightly, making every bite rich and cozy.
Tips and Variations
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Make it creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce before baking.
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Add more veggies: Corn, peas, or even diced parsnips blend beautifully with the base flavors.
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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.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just want something to warm your evenings, Amish Winter Bliss brings back the feeling of slow, peaceful living — a reminder that the simplest meals often bring the greatest joy.