Big Montana Beefy Rice Casserole

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One of the most unique Amish settlements I’ve ever been to is Rexford, Montana.

First of all, it’s not really in Rexford… I think it took me like 20 minutes to get from Rexford to the Amish community, perhaps even 30. The settlement would be more accurately called West Kootenai. The Kootenai Amish community is nestled in a mountain valley just a few miles south of the Canadian border in the far far northwestern corner of Montana. 

Many Amish with the itch to move west for adventure and an outdoorsy life come here and stay for a while. Many of them eventually tire from being so far from their families out east that they often just stay a couple years and then head back. But some do stick around.

The Amish cooking out here takes on a real western flavor: salmon, moose meat, bear meat, plus, more traditional dishes. This meal Isn’t your “can of cream of mushroom soup casserole that is so common in Amish communities in the Midwest, this is a more scratch-based casserole. Very hearty.

The scenery in the above photo is actually a good 30 minutes east of Rexford near the town of Eureka at sunset, close to the Canadian border.

One of the best times for an outsider to visit the Kootenai community is durng their annual school house auction. That just occurred a few weeks ago, and here you can buy quilts, farm equipment, odds and ends, and I think probably one of the biggest appeals is the food.  Amish America recently posted some photos from the auction.

This Big Montana Beefy Rice Casserole recipe originates from the Amish community in Rexford, Montana and was given to me when I visited about 10 years ago. Let's take a look at some photos of the recipe.

A good mix of beef and beans gives this casserole great flavor! You can use potatoes or rice interchangeably in this, but we went with rice.

It is a colorful casserole going into the oven. You can switch up aspects of the recipe. You can use any kind of cheese - shredded Mozzarella, Colby, Mexican cheese blends, or even Parmesan.

Also, sliced mushrooms could be added to this recipe. Add some corn, whatever you want to make this a big, beefy blend!

The beans and beef are quintessential "Montana Amish cowboy" food.

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• 🖨️ Full Recipe

🍲 Big Montana Beefy Rice Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon salad oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 1 /2 cups tomatoes or juice
• 1 pint navy beans (cooked)
• 1 cup cooked rice or potatoes
• 3 /4 cups grated cheese

📋 Instructions

1. Brown meat in oil. 
2. Add salt, onions, and chili powder and simmer for 5 minutes. 
3. Stir in tomatoes, beans, and rice. 
4. Place in greased casserole dish and bake uncovered for 1 hour at 350. 
5. Put cheese on top and bake 15 minutes long or until cheese melts.

🍚 More Amish Rice Recipes

Sour Cream Rice Bake - Delicious!

Cheesy Rice and Sausage Bake - Amazing!

Famous Chicken and Rice - Classic Amish Dish
Taco Rice - A bit of spice!

🖨️ Full Recipe