Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

Heartwarming Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty Amish harvest casserole that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Layers of wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly into a mouthwatering dish.

Potatoes, ground beef, and creamy cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite tells a story of traditional farmhouse cooking and simple, robust ingredients.

The casserole brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with its rustic charm.

Home cooks will appreciate how easily this meal comes together with minimal preparation.

Savor every delicious spoonful and let this classic recipe become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Amish Harvest Casserole – Special Touches

  • Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, making dinner a breeze with minimal hands-on effort.
  • Packed with hearty ground beef, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, this casserole satisfies picky eaters and hungry crowds alike.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Combines protein-rich beef with colorful vegetables, creating a balanced meal that keeps everyone satisfied and energized.

Ingredients for Amish Harvest Casserole Magic

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the casserole.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients add depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.
Vegetable and Liquid Components:
  • Mixed Vegetables: Fresh or frozen vegetables that add nutrition and texture to the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy base that helps bind ingredients and creates a smooth, rich sauce.
Seasoning and Topping:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Cheese: A melty topping that adds a creamy, savory finish to the casserole.

Everything You’ll Need for Amish Harvest Casserole

  • Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and cooking aromatics.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Use for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Slow cooker: Key appliance for cooking the casserole over several hours.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Cheese grater: Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
  • Colander: Useful for draining excess fat from browned meat.

How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole at Home

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat.

Toss in the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook the meat until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink.

Carefully drain away any excess fat using a colander or by tilting the pan.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

In the same skillet with those delicious beef drippings, introduce:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and translucent, releasing their mouth-watering fragrance throughout your kitchen.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers in Slow Cooker

Transfer the seasoned beef and aromatic mixture into your slow cooker.

Gently add:
  • Mixed vegetables
  • Creamy condensed soup
  • Herbs and spices

Stir everything together to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 4: Slow and Steady Cooking

Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW temperature.

Let the casserole simmer and meld its flavors for 6-8 hours.

The vegetables will become tender and infused with the rich beef essence.

Step 5: Cheese Finale and Resting

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after cooking to let the flavors settle and make serving easier.

The result will be a comforting, hearty dish that celebrates rustic Amish cooking traditions.

Tips & Tricks for Amish Harvest Casserole Perfection

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and ensure a healthier casserole.
  • Swap frozen vegetables with fresh seasonal produce for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique taste profiles.
  • Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
  • Prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate for deeper flavor development.

Change Up Amish Harvest Casserole Your Way

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and replace regular cheese with pepper jack for a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Amish Harvest Casserole with Flair

  • Hearty Family Dinner Plate: Serve this rich casserole alongside warm crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complement the meaty flavors.
  • Veggie Sidekick Strategy: Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and a fresh contrast to the warm, comforting casserole.
  • Protein Power Boost: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top or add a dollop of sour cream just before serving to enhance the creamy texture and provide additional protein.
  • Leftover Love Hack: Reheat portions for quick lunches or transform into a stuffing for bell peppers or rolled into tortillas for a delicious next-day meal transformation.

Smart Storage for Amish Harvest Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely, adding a splash of broth to prevent dryness.

FAQs

  • What makes this casserole an Amish-style dish?

The recipe reflects traditional Amish cooking with simple, hearty ingredients and slow cooking methods that maximize flavor and comfort.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work perfectly in this versatile casserole.

  • Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead, freeze it before cooking, and then thaw and cook in the slow cooker when ready to serve.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Choose lean ground meat, use low-sodium soup, and add extra vegetables to boost nutritional value without compromising the classic taste.

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Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Amish harvest casserole combines farm-fresh ingredients in a comforting midwestern dish. Creamy layers of potatoes, cheese, and meat create a satisfying meal that connects families around the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150 grams) carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup (150 grams) potatoes, diced
  • 1 cup (150 grams) corn kernels
  • 1 cup (150 grams) green beans, chopped

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until completely browned, carefully draining excess fat.
  2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Methodically transfer the seasoned meat mixture to the slow cooker, strategically layering with mixed vegetables.
  4. Pour cream soup over the layers, generously sprinkling selected herbs and spices to enhance overall flavor profile.
  5. Secure slow cooker lid and allow ingredients to simmer on LOW temperature for 6-7 hours, ensuring vegetables reach perfect tenderness.
  6. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, delicately sprinkle shredded cheese across the casserole’s surface.
  7. Remove from heat and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to settle before serving.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that works perfectly for health-conscious eaters.
  • Customize vegetable mix by using seasonal produce or frozen mixed vegetables to add more nutrition and variety to the dish.
  • Enhance flavor by experimenting with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a smoky gouda for more depth and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Breakfast
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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