Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe for Autumn Dinner Comfort

Hearty flavors of an amish harvest casserole dance through my grandmother’s well-worn recipe book, bringing memories of cozy autumn dinners.

Crisp vegetables and rich, creamy textures tell stories of farmland traditions.

Kitchen traditions often carry deep roots connecting generations through simple, delicious meals.

Seasonal produce becomes a canvas for comfort and nourishment in this classic dish.

Layers of carefully selected ingredients promise warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Cooking together builds connections that transcend time and place.

You’ll find this recipe bridges nostalgia with contemporary culinary creativity.

Let’s uncover the magic of this beloved farmhouse classic.

Amish Harvest Casserole for Cozy Weeknights

• Effortlessly combines protein, vegetables, and rice in a single delicious casserole that simplifies dinner preparation.
• Packed with kid-approved ingredients like ground meat, cheese, and mild seasonings that create a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will enjoy.
• Easily adaptable recipe allowing substitutions like ground turkey instead of beef, different vegetables, or gluten-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.
• Requires less than 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is limited.

Amish Harvest Casserole Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Rich protein base for the casserole, lean meats work best, versatile protein option.

• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth, sweet when cooked, fresh and firm texture preferred.
• Garlic: Provides robust flavor, choose fresh cloves for best taste.
• Zucchini: Tender vegetable adding moisture, summer squash works perfectly.
• Carrot: Adds color and subtle sweetness, fresh and crisp vegetables recommended.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binding agent, condensed version preferred.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients, whole milk recommended.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor enhancer, shredded for easy melting.

• Cooked Rice: Hearty base for casserole, white or brown rice work well.

• Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Classic seasoning blend, fresh thyme preferred if available.
• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping, provides textural contrast.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor to topping.
• Butter: Helps crisp breadcrumb topping, unsalted preferred.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright finishing touch, adds color and fresh herb flavor.

How to Cook Amish Harvest Casserole from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 375F (190C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a generous layer of cooking spray or softened butter.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

In a spacious skillet, sizzle ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden color. Eliminate excess grease. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Saute Veggie Companions

Introduce zucchini and carrots to the meat mixture. Let them mingle and become tender for 3-4 minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and fragrant thyme.

Step 4: Create The Magical Mixture

• Cooked rice
• Seasoned meat and vegetable blend
• Creamy mushroom soup
• Smooth milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until ingredients are perfectly harmonized.

Step 5: Layer In Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a delicious landscape.

Step 6: Add Crispy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle this golden mixture across the casserole’s surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with deliciousness.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Amish Harvest Casserole Tips That Help

• Customize Your Casserole: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that cuts down on calories while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat zucchini and carrots dry before adding to the skillet to ensure vegetables release excess moisture and maintain a perfect casserole consistency.
• Boost Cheese Flavor: Use sharp cheddar instead of mild for a more robust and tangy taste that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure thorough heating.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Store Amish Harvest Casserole Like a Pro

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Portion out individual servings, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Pairing Foods for Amish Harvest Casserole

• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the hearty meat and rich cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's creamy texture.
• Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and add freshness to the meal.
• Prepare roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus with garlic and olive oil to enhance the vegetable notes in the casserole and provide additional nutritional variety.
• Choose a smooth amber ale or slightly hoppy pale ale that offers a complementary maltiness to the casserole's depth and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Amish Harvest Casserole Variations That Work

• Vegetarian Harvest Casserole: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond meal, and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Harvest Bake: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the casserole's rich, comforting flavor profile intact.
• Dairy-Free Family Casserole: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use coconut milk instead of regular milk to create a creamy texture for those with dairy restrictions.

Amish Harvest Casserole FAQs in One Spot

• Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or even ground pork works well as substitutes for beef or turkey, offering similar flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to eat. It typically stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber and nutrients.

• Can I freeze this Amish Harvest Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Amish harvest casserole brings comfort and nostalgia from Pennsylvania’s rural kitchens, blending classic ingredients with generations of culinary tradition. Home cooks savor this rich, satisfying dish that connects families through simple, wholesome flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey

Vegetables and Rice:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 cup (150 g) cooked rice (white or brown)

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 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 generously coating a 9×13-inch dish with butter or cooking spray, then position the oven rack to ensure even heating at 375F (190C).
2. In a spacious skillet, brown the ground protein thoroughly, eliminating excess grease. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce zucchini and carrots to the meat mixture, allowing the vegetables to soften and meld with the protein. Season the ensemble with a judicious blend of salt, freshly cracked pepper, and aromatic thyme.
4. Transfer the skillet contents to a generous mixing bowl, combining with cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the ingredients create a harmonious, creamy consistency.
5. Distribute the mixed contents uniformly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
6. For those desiring additional texture, craft a crisp topping by blending breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Delicately sprinkle this mixture across the casserole’s surface.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the top transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the interior bubbles with appetizing enthusiasm, approximately 25-30 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and permit the casserole to rest momentarily, allowing flavors to settle. Optional fresh parsley can provide a vibrant garnish before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Use low-fat dairy and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup to create a healthier adaptation without compromising flavor.
• Replace traditional white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrates and increase nutritional value for low-carb diets.
• Create a gluten-free variation by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking soup ingredients for hidden wheat-based additives.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg