Hi, friend! Thank you for being here — truly. This comforting, down-to-earth Amish Winter Bliss recipe is like a warm hug from the oven. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with savory goodness and makes you grateful for the simple things: good food, hearty ingredients, and minimal cleanup.
I found this gem during a visit to a quaint Amish market on a weekend getaway — and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s budget-friendly, full of flavor, and super customizable, making it perfect for chilly weeknights when you want something filling and wholesome, but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
Let’s dig into the full recipe, plus a few handy tips and variations!
🧄 What Is Amish Winter Bliss?
Amish Winter Bliss is a rich, veggie-packed casserole that blends savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, fresh vegetables, and melty cheddar cheese into a satisfying, one-pan meal.
It's inspired by traditional Amish cooking, which is known for its practicality, heartiness, and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. This is the kind of recipe that tastes even better the next day — perfect for leftovers or meal prepping!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-dish meal = fewer dishes to wash!
- Made with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients
- Can easily be customized based on what you have on hand
- Feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers
- Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and comfort-food approved
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Carrots (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Green beans (cut) | 1 cup |
| Corn kernels | 1 cup (fresh/frozen) |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Egg noodles (cooked) | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar | 1 cup (divided) |
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Oven (of course!)
👩🍳 How to Make Amish Winter Bliss (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Add Veggies
Stir in the carrots, green beans, and corn. Cook for about 5 minutes, just until slightly softened.
5. Simmer the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring everything to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Combine with Noodles & Cheese
Remove from heat. Stir in the cooked egg noodles and half of the shredded cheese until everything is combined.
7. Assemble & Bake
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing into portions. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.
🥦 Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Use frozen mixed vegetables to save time
- Try zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or cooked rice instead of egg noodles
🍽 What to Serve With Amish Winter Bliss
This is a full meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Buttery dinner rolls or crusty artisan bread
- A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Applesauce or Amish pickled beets for a sweet contrast
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the noodles before baking — al dente is best!
- Let it rest before serving so it holds together when scooping
- Use sharp cheddar for more flavor, or try a blend like cheddar + mozzarella
- Make it ahead and store in the fridge overnight — the flavors deepen beautifully!
🧊 Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze the baked casserole (or unbaked) for up to 2 months
- Reheat: In the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, or microwave individual portions
🧮 Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving – serves 6)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
(Nutrition varies based on ingredients and cheese used)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with bouillon.
Can I use canned vegetables?
You can, but they’re softer. Drain well and stir them in during step 6 instead of sautéing them.
Can I add a breadcrumb topping?
Absolutely! Mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Amish Winter Bliss is the kind of recipe you come back to again and again. It’s a little bit rustic, a whole lot of cozy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank or spending all night in the kitchen.
Whether you're bundled up on a cold evening or just need something nourishing and nostalgic, this dish hits all the right notes. And the leftovers? Even better the next day.
🧀 More Comforting Casseroles to Try
- Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
- John Wayne Casserole
- Cheeseburger Pockets
- Poor Man’s Husband Casserole
📸 Made This Recipe?
I’d love to see it! Tag your photo with #MmmRecipes on Instagram or Pinterest and tell me how it turned out. There’s nothing better than sharing warm food with good people. 💬🥄
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