Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly captures cozy comfort food vibes without any fuss, the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This hearty casserole combines simple, wholesome ingredients like ground meat, fresh veggies, and cheese into a creamy, golden-baked goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe blends rustic flavors with easy prep for a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe relies on humble, easy-to-find ingredients that work together beautifully. Each brings its own texture, color, and rich flavor to the mix, making the casserole a colorful, nourishing one-dish wonder.
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey: provides hearty protein and a savory base flavor—choose your favorite or mix it up for variety.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): infuses a gentle, aromatic punch without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cups diced potatoes (peeled): contribute a comforting creaminess and help thicken the casserole.
- 2 cups carrots (sliced): bring natural sweetness, bright color, and a slight crunch.
- 1 cup celery (chopped): adds fresh, herbaceous notes and texture contrast.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): bursts with subtle sweetness and vibrant yellow hue.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: the creamy binder that pulls everything together with earthy richness.
- ½ cup milk: lightens the soup and adds smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: melts into the casserole, imparting savory sharpness and golden color on top.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: offers gentle herbaceous flavor and beautiful flecks of green.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: enhances the dish with subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: adds a hint of spice and rounds out the seasoning.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers (optional for topping): creates a lovely crispy golden crust when baked with butter.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (if using topping): ensures the topping browns beautifully and adds richness.
How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking your choice of ground beef or turkey until it’s nicely browned. Adding chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet for the final few minutes will infuse the base with savory sweetness and aromatic layers. Once cooked, don’t forget to drain excess fat to keep the casserole luscious but not greasy.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables and Sauce
In a spacious mixing bowl, toss the cooked meat together with diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and corn. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, then sprinkle the dried parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper over the top. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, folding everything gently until all those wonderful flavors and textures are evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
Step 3: Transfer and Bake
Generously grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish before pouring in your mixture, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven preheated at 375°F. Baking it for 45 to 50 minutes softens the potatoes and vegetables, melding each layer into one irresistible dish.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Finish Baking
If you love a bit of crunch on top, mix the breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the baked casserole once you’ve removed the foil. Slide it back into the oven for ten to fifteen minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly. This final step adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow your Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe to rest five minutes after taking it out of the oven to let the flavors settle and the casserole firm up just enough to serve easily without losing any of that creamy goodness.
How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top to add a splash of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each rich, savory bite. If you want a touch of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can be a fun twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong as a main dish but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, buttery dinner rolls, or steamed green beans. A refreshing coleslaw can also add nice balance with its crunch and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins and sprinkle toppings separately for personalized servings. Or take it potluck-style by baking directly in a disposable foil pan for easy transport and cleanup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
You can prepare the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe in advance and freeze it unbaked. Wrap the casserole dish well with foil and plastic wrap or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the textures intact. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the potatoes a bit mushy and the topping lose its crispness.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works nicely and keeps the dish lean, though you might want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance its mild flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the meat with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based ground “meat” alternative and use vegetable broth or cream of mushroom soup to keep all the savory elements intact.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer homemade or allergy-friendly options, a simple béchamel sauce or a mix of cream cheese and broth works well to provide that creamy texture and bind the ingredients together.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Seasonal veggies like green beans, butternut squash, or peas make great additions and keep the dish fresh and versatile.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Using crushed butter crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs and mixing them with melted butter ensures a richer flavor and a beautifully crisp, golden finish.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying meals that brings warmth and comfort to the table with every bite. It’s wonderfully flexible, loaded with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your kitchen rotation!
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Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Amish Harvest Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish combining ground beef or turkey with a medley of fresh vegetables and creamy mushroom soup. This classic American Amish-inspired casserole brings together nutritious ingredients in a savory, cheesy bake that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings during the fall harvest season.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced potatoes, peeled
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Other Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked meat mixture with diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, corn, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all vegetables evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven to bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: If using the optional breadcrumb topping, mix the breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers with melted butter. Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance and bake it when ready, which helps save time on the day of serving.
- For variety, swap in other seasonal vegetables like green beans or squash based on availability and preference.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crispy texture.
- To make this dish dairy-free, consider using dairy-free cheese and milk substitutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American – Amish-Inspired