Amish Harvest Casserole

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting casserole that brings warmth and delicious flavors to the table, Amish Harvest Casserole is the perfect dish to try. This wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal combines simple ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and vegetables to create a satisfying and filling casserole that is great for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

In this recipe, the ingredients come together beautifully to create a rich and creamy casserole with layers of flavor. The secret to its appeal is its versatility—whether you’re feeding a large family or preparing a dish for guests, Amish Harvest Casserole delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Amish Harvest Casserole:

• Ground Beef: The base of this casserole, providing rich flavor and protein.
• Potatoes: Fresh, thinly sliced potatoes create a comforting and creamy texture as they bake.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots add color, crunch, and a slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
• Onions: Chopped onions bring savory depth to the casserole.
• Corn: Sweet corn complements the other vegetables and adds a burst of freshness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese gives the casserole its cheesy, gooey goodness.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the key to the creamy texture, making the casserole rich and velvety.
• Milk: Helps combine the ingredients and creates a creamy sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor.

How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, peel and slice the potatoes thinly. Chop the carrots and onions, and drain the corn. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Make sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the beef aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of ground beef, chopped onions, carrots, and corn. Repeat these layers, ending with a layer of potatoes on top.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, stirring until smooth. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layers of potatoes and vegetables.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Once the Amish Harvest Casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. The result is a cheesy, savory, and perfectly layered casserole that everyone will love.

Tips for Making Amish Harvest Casserole:

• Use fresh potatoes: Freshly sliced potatoes work best for this dish, as they hold their texture and absorb the flavors of the casserole. If you prefer, you can use pre-sliced frozen potatoes for convenience.
• Add extra vegetables: If you like to pack more veggies into your casserole, feel free to add peas, green beans, or bell peppers.
• Make it ahead: Amish Harvest Casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for later: If you’re looking for a make-ahead option, this casserole freezes well. Just assemble it, cover with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Why Amish Harvest Casserole is the Perfect Comfort Food:

1. Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, vegetables, and potatoes, this casserole is a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
2. Simple Ingredients: With everyday ingredients found in most kitchens, Amish Harvest Casserole is a budget-friendly and easy-to-make dish.
3. Versatile: Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or seasoning it to your taste.
4. Family-Friendly: This is a meal that even picky eaters will enjoy—making it perfect for family dinners.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Amish Harvest Casserole alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread to scoop up any delicious sauce left on your plate.

Final Thoughts:

Amish Harvest Casserole is a perfect blend of simplicity, heartiness, and comfort. Its combination of layers and flavors creates a delicious dish that’s both filling and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a large group or just want a cozy meal to enjoy at home, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Serving Tips for Amish Harvest Casserole:

1. Pair with a Side Salad: Serve this rich casserole with a light, fresh side salad to balance the flavors. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy coleslaw would complement the hearty nature of the casserole.
2. Add Crusty Bread: For a comforting touch, serve Amish Harvest Casserole with a loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread. This helps soak up any extra creamy sauce and adds a satisfying crunch.
3. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the casserole before serving can add a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
4. Serve with a Soup Starter: If you’re serving the casserole as part of a larger meal, consider starting with a light soup, like a vegetable or chicken broth-based soup, to prepare the palate for the hearty main dish.

Storage Tips for Amish Harvest Casserole:

1. Refrigerating Leftovers: Once the casserole has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it is tightly covered to keep it from drying out.
2. Freezing Amish Harvest Casserole: This casserole freezes well for later enjoyment. To freeze, wrap the assembled (but uncooked) casserole in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe instructions.
3. Reheating Leftovers: To reheat, simply place individual portions or the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If the casserole is covered with cheese, you may want to cover it with foil to prevent it from browning too much during reheating.
4. Microwave Option: If you’re in a rush, you can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly. Be sure to cover the casserole with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

With these serving and storage tips, Amish Harvest Casserole can easily be enjoyed over multiple meals, ensuring that it stays fresh and delicious even after the initial serving!

1. Can I use a different type of meat in Amish Harvest Casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other types of meat such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian version, you could even use lentils or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed depending on the meat you choose.

2. Can I make Amish Harvest Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Amish Harvest Casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and follow the baking instructions. If freezing, it can be prepared and frozen for up to 3 months.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can easily customize the casserole by adding other vegetables such as peas, green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and layer them along with the other ingredients. Be sure to slightly adjust the cooking time if you add vegetables that release a lot of moisture.

4. Is it possible to make Amish Harvest Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this casserole can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring the cream of mushroom soup and any other ingredients used (such as cheese or seasonings) are labeled gluten-free. You can also substitute the regular soup with a gluten-free version, and use gluten-free bread crumbs or omit them entirely if you prefer.

Print