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
Scale
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
