Description
A hearty and comforting Amish-style hamburger bake featuring ground beef, seasonal fall vegetables, a creamy cheddar sauce, and warm spices. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup butternut squash, diced
- 1 cup sweet corn
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add onion and garlic, cooking until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare vegetables by peeling and dicing carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and butternut squash. Slice celery and trim green beans.
- Add prepared vegetables to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir in diced tomatoes, sweet corn, and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in heavy cream. Cook until thickened, then stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the creamy sauce over the top, then sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until vegetables are tender and cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Let rest for a few minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute increments until heated through.
- Variations: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, or make it dairy-free with plant-based alternatives.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use cornstarch instead of flour in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: amish, american
Keywords: Amish hamburger bake, fall vegetable casserole, ground beef recipe, comfort food, hearty dinner