There is something deeply comforting about a meal that feels like it has been passed down through generations, carrying with it the warmth of family gatherings and home-cooked tradition. Amish Harvest Casserole is one of those dishes. It’s hearty, wholesome, and filled with the rustic flavors that define Amish-style cooking. Made with ground beef, simple vegetables, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese on top, this casserole brings together all the elements of comfort food in a single dish.

What makes this recipe so special is not just its taste, but its simplicity. It relies on humble, affordable ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. The method is easy, especially since it uses a slow cooker to do most of the work. Once you layer the ingredients and set the timer, you can walk away knowing that a warm and satisfying meal will be ready by dinner.

This dish is perfect for busy families, cold evenings when you crave something cozy, or when you need a dish that will feed a crowd. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t just satisfy hunger but nourishes the soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare Amish Harvest Casserole, you’ll need:

1 pound of ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of salt

½ teaspoon of black pepper

1 cup of sliced carrots

1 cup of diced potatoes

1 cup of corn kernels

1 cup of chopped green beans

1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

1 teaspoon of dried parsley

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

These ingredients are classic to Amish-style cooking: simple, hearty, and chosen for both flavor and practicality. The vegetables provide bulk and nutrition, while the beef adds protein and richness. The cream of mushroom soup ties everything together in a savory sauce, and the cheese adds the perfect finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Brown the Beef

Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Continue cooking for three to four minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the casserole. Once ready, transfer everything to your slow cooker.

Step 2 – Add the Vegetables and Seasoning

Next, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, corn, and green beans into the slow cooker with the beef mixture. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup along with thyme and parsley. The soup coats the vegetables and beef, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and creamy. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 3 – Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the casserole on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the vegetables to become tender while the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4 – Add the Cheese

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt. This final step transforms the dish into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Before serving, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes so that it thickens slightly and is easier to dish out.

Serving Suggestions

Amish Harvest Casserole is satisfying enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Freshly baked dinner rolls or cornbread are excellent choices for soaking up the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad provides balance and freshness, while a side of applesauce adds a sweet contrast that complements the savory flavors.

This casserole is also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. It travels well and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice if you need to prepare something ahead of time.

Recipe Tips and Variations

One of the best things about casseroles is their flexibility. Here are a few ideas to customize this recipe to your taste:

Swap the meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.

Change the vegetables: Try sweet potatoes, peas, or zucchini in place of the traditional carrots and green beans.

Experiment with the cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but Colby Jack, Swiss, or smoked gouda will add their own unique twist.

Make it crunchier: For added texture, top the casserole with buttered breadcrumbs along with the cheese.

These variations allow you to adapt the casserole depending on what you have in your pantry or the preferences of your family.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole stands out because it balances ease with flavor. The slow cooker method makes it nearly foolproof, while the combination of vegetables, beef, and creamy sauce ensures that it is hearty and filling. It’s also a budget-friendly meal, as it stretches a pound of ground beef to serve a whole family.

The recipe also highlights the essence of Amish cooking: simplicity, practicality, and comfort. It doesn’t rely on fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Instead, it focuses on wholesome flavors that come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Amish Harvest Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of how satisfying simple cooking can be. It’s the type of dish that you’ll want to make again and again, not just because it’s easy, but because it feels like home. Whether you’re preparing it for your own family or sharing it at a gathering, it’s guaranteed to bring comfort to the table.

When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a one-pot meal that delivers both comfort and flavor. This One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli, making it the perfect dish for hectic weeknights or cozy weekends. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, you’ll have a family-friendly dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Orzo, though shaped like rice, is actually a small pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor beautifully. Pair it with broccoli for a burst of freshness, cheddar cheese for richness, and a splash of cream for that irresistible velvety texture, and you’ve got a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot convenience – everything cooks in the same pot, saving time on cleanup.

Family-friendly – kids love the cheesy, creamy texture, while adults appreciate the balance of vegetables and pasta.

Quick and easy – ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

Comfort food at its best – rich, creamy, and satisfying without being too heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup orzo pasta – the star of the dish, small and tender, perfect for absorbing flavor.

2 cups broccoli florets – adds freshness, texture, and nutrients.

1 cup grated cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor, but mild cheddar is a kid-friendly option.

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth – provides the cooking liquid and base flavor.

½ cup heavy cream – makes the orzo rich and creamy.

2 tablespoons butter – adds richness and helps sauté the garlic.

2 cloves minced garlic – for aromatic depth.

Salt and pepper to taste – adjust as needed before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Base

In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, until fragrant. Stir in the orzo, coating it in the butter-garlic mixture. This step gives the pasta a toasty, nutty undertone.

Add Broth and Broccoli

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and add the broccoli florets. Let the mixture cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has fully melted into a creamy sauce that coats the orzo and broccoli. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the orzo into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for Success

Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the creamiest texture, grate cheddar from a block.

Cut broccoli evenly: Chop florets into small, uniform pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

Adjust consistency: If you prefer a looser, more saucy dish, add a splash of warm broth or milk before serving.

Go green: For extra nutrition, toss in a handful of spinach or peas near the end of cooking.

Variations to Try

Protein boost: Stir in cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crispy bacon for a heartier meal.

Different cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, fontina, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Lighter option: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter dish.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Orzo

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also makes a fantastic side dish. Try pairing it with:

Grilled or baked chicken

Roasted salmon or pan-seared fish

A crisp side salad

Garlic bread for soaking up the creamy sauce

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Freeze: Not recommended, as cream sauces often separate when thawed.

One-Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo is a simple, comforting dish that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something truly satisfying. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and tender broccoli, it’s a meal that appeals to both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a versatile side dish, this recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation.

Few things say “homemade comfort” quite like the aroma of fresh cookies baking in the oven. These Raspberry Swirl Cookies bring together the rich, buttery taste of shortbread with the bright tang of raspberry jam for a dessert that feels as elegant as it is simple. With their pretty swirled centers and dusting of powdered sugar, they’re as perfect for holiday cookie platters as they are for a casual afternoon treat.

This recipe takes a straightforward shortbread dough, rolls it with sweet raspberry jam, and transforms it into beautiful slice-and-bake cookies. If you love fruit-filled pastries but want something a little quicker than making tarts or pies, this recipe is the answer.

A Cookie with Timeless Appeal

Jam-filled cookies have long been a favorite in kitchens across Europe and North America. From Austrian Linzer cookies to Scandinavian jam thumbprints, bakers have always known that combining fruit preserves with buttery dough creates a treat that balances richness with brightness. Raspberry Swirl Cookies fit perfectly into that tradition, offering a modern, elegant presentation with very little fuss.

The beauty of this recipe is that it can be adapted to suit different occasions. Use raspberry jam for a tart-sweet flavor, strawberry jam for a more mellow sweetness, or even apricot preserves for a sunny twist. No matter which fruit you choose, the result is the same: a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Raspberry Swirl Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup raspberry jam

1 tablespoon powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies bake up tender rather than dense.

Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract. A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the shortbread base.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is to keep the dough tender.

Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll and preventing spreading during baking.

Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.

Spread the Jam

Spread half of the raspberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This prevents the jam from spilling out as you roll.

Roll the Dough

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Repeat with the second portion of dough and the remaining jam. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm before slicing.

Slice and Bake

Slice each chilled log into ½-inch thick cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden at the edges.

Cool and Finish

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Tips for Perfect Swirl Cookies

Use High-Quality Jam: Since jam is the highlight of the recipe, choose one with a strong fruit flavor and minimal added sugar. Seedless raspberry jam works especially well.

Chill the Dough Properly: Don’t skip the chilling steps. This ensures neat swirls and prevents the cookies from spreading.

Sharp Knife for Slicing: A sharp knife makes clean cuts without squishing the dough and jam together.

Make Ahead: The rolled dough logs can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. Slice and bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations to Try

Different Jams: Try strawberry, blackberry, apricot, or even cherry preserves for a different flavor profile.

Glaze Instead of Powdered Sugar: For a festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Nutty Addition: Sprinkle finely chopped almonds or pistachios on top of the jam before rolling for extra texture.

Holiday Twist: Use red raspberry jam with a swirl of green-tinted glaze for a Christmas cookie tray.

Storing Raspberry Swirl Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Raspberry Swirl Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. With their buttery shortbread base and jewel-toned raspberry filling, they’re as eye-catching as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration, gifting them to a friend, or just enjoying them with your afternoon tea, these cookies are guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Once you’ve mastered the technique, the variations are endless. Change up the jam, add nuts, or drizzle with chocolate—the possibilities are limited only by your creativity.

Bring a plate of these cookies to your next gathering, and watch how quickly they disappear.