The Best Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Memories of hearty midwestern apple Amish harvest casserole often spark warmth during chilly autumn evenings.

Family gatherings feel magical with this comforting dish sitting center stage.

Generations have passed down recipes celebrating simple, honest ingredients that speak directly to the soul.

Rustic kitchens filled with wooden spoons and cast-iron skillets inspire this classic meal.

Local farm produce becomes something extraordinary when mixed with love and traditional techniques.

Unexpected flavor combinations create a delightful surprise in every single bite.

She learned this recipe from her grandmother, who understood the art of transforming basic ingredients into something spectacular.

Grab a fork and let nostalgia guide you through this delicious culinary journey.

Why Amish Harvest Casserole Deserves A Spot On Your Table

• Savor One-Pot Comfort: This hearty casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen cleanup, combining protein, vegetables, and rice in a single delicious dish perfect for busy families.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap ground meats, adjust vegetable selections, or experiment with different cheese types to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Embrace Simple Rustic Cooking: Capture the essence of traditional Amish home cooking with straightforward ingredients and techniques that transform basic components into a satisfying, wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior Meal: Prepare this casserole in under 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for hectic evenings when you want nutritious food without spending hours in the kitchen.

What’s In Amish Harvest Casserole

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Hearty base protein that adds richness and depth to the casserole, with turkey offering a leaner option.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancers that provide a robust and savory foundation for the dish.
• Zucchini, Carrot: Fresh vegetables that add nutrition, color, and gentle sweetness to the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and adds moisture to the casserole.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture and enhances overall consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that brings a rich, tangy flavor and helps bind ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty note to the topping for extra flavor complexity.

• Rice: Substantial grain that provides a hearty base and absorbs the delicious flavors of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Crispy topping that adds textural contrast and golden-brown crunch.

• Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy topping.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

How To Cook Amish Harvest Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Warm your oven to 375F (190C). Lovingly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, ensuring nothing sticks.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until these aromatics transform into a soft, fragrant base.

Step 3: Embrace Vegetable Magic

• Diced zucchini
• Shredded carrots

Let these colorful vegetables dance and soften for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme to awaken their flavors.

Step 4: Create Delicious Harmony

• Cooked rice
• Meat and vegetable medley
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until every ingredient blends into a creamy, tempting mixture.

Step 5: Prepare The Canvas

Spread the mixture evenly across your prepared baking dish, creating a delectable landscape of comfort.

Step 6: Add Crispy Crowning Glory

• Breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Shower this golden topping across the casserole’s surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 8: Serve With Love

Allow the casserole to rest briefly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and watch smiles spread around the table.

Pro Tips For Amish Harvest Casserole

• Boost Protein Power: Swap ground beef with lean ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, protein-packed version that suits different dietary needs.
• Master Veggie Variations: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to add extra nutrition and keep the casserole exciting throughout the year.
• Create Gluten-Free Magic: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers to make this dish celiac-friendly without losing flavor.
• Prep-Ahead Perfection: Assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making weeknight dinners a breeze for busy families.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Try different cheese blends like monterey jack, gruyère, or a sharp white cheddar to elevate the dish's flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.

How To Save Amish Harvest Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Preserve Fresh: Refrigerated casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days when kept at 40°F or below. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container.
• Reheat Safely: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, adding a splash of milk to restore moisture.
• Freeze Option: Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

Tasty Sides For Amish Harvest Casserole

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like merlot or pinot noir that complements the rich, savory flavors of the beef and cheese in the casserole.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy and hearty texture.
• Add Rustic Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or whole grain bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Refresh with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water to cut through the richness of the casserole and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Fun Versions Of Amish Harvest Casserole

• Southwestern Spice Splash: Swap thyme for cumin and chili powder, add black beans and corn, top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Garden: Replace ground meat with chickpeas, add spinach, feta cheese, and oregano for a Mediterranean-style casserole with lighter flavors.
• Hearty Autumn Veggie Blend: Substitute zucchini with butternut squash and add diced sweet potatoes, mix in sage instead of thyme for a rich, seasonal comfort dish.
• Protein Power Pack: Use quinoa instead of rice, incorporate grilled chicken or plant-based protein crumbles, and mix in extra protein-rich vegetables like broccoli for a nutritious upgrade.

All Your Questions About Amish Harvest Casserole

• What makes this Amish Harvest Casserole special?

This casserole combines hearty ground meat, fresh vegetables, and rice in a creamy sauce, creating a comforting one-dish meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s a perfect example of traditional Amish home cooking that feeds a hungry family with minimal effort.

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe works great with ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken. Choose the meat you prefer or have on hand, which makes this casserole super flexible and convenient for busy cooks.

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes! The combination of meat, cheese, and mild vegetables makes this a kid-approved dish. The creamy texture and cheesy top are especially appealing to children, and it’s an excellent way to sneak some vegetables into their diet without them noticing.

• How can I make this casserole more nutritious?

You can boost the nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas. Using brown rice instead of white rice adds more fiber, and choosing lean ground meat can make the dish healthier without compromising on taste.

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Amish harvest casserole delivers hearty, nostalgic flavors straight from Pennsylvania’s countryside kitchens. Layers of creamy potatoes, savory meats, and seasonal vegetables promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium carrot, grated

Dairy and Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150 g) cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping (optional):

• ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup (25 g) shredded Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light layer of cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium flame and crumble the ground meat, cooking thoroughly until no pink remains, carefully draining accumulated fat.
3. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until the aromatics become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
4. Incorporate zucchini and carrots into the skillet, gently stirring and allowing vegetables to soften while absorbing the savory meat flavors.
5. Season the mixture with a delicate blend of salt, freshly ground pepper, and dried thyme, ensuring an even distribution of herbs and spices.
6. Transfer the cooked rice into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a foundation for the casserole’s rich texture.
7. Fold in the meat and vegetable medley, blending smoothly with cream of mushroom soup and milk to create a cohesive, creamy consistency.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese throughout the mixture, stirring gently to distribute the melty goodness evenly.
9. Carefully spread the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an uniform layer that promises delectable bites.
10. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, crafting a golden, crispy topping that will crown the casserole.
11. Delicately scatter the breadcrumb mixture across the surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
12. Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing it to bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble tantalizingly.
13. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for several minutes, allowing flavors to settle and making it easier to serve.
14. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal note before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and hearty texture.
• Use low-fat cheese and cream of mushroom soup to reduce overall calorie count while keeping the casserole creamy and satisfying.
• Choose brown rice instead of white rice to boost fiber and nutrient density, creating a more nutritionally balanced one-pan meal.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to add extra color, nutrition, and personalize the casserole’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg