Soul-Warming Hearty Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe for Fall

Comfort meets tradition in this delightful amish harvest casserole that promises warmth on even the chilliest evenings.

Layers of rich, golden ingredients blend seamlessly to create a truly memorable dish.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying recipe passed down through generations.

Each forkful carries the essence of farmhouse cooking and rural hospitality.

Tender vegetables and savory proteins mingle beneath a golden, crispy topping that beckons you to the table.

Hearty and wholesome, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that celebrates rustic simplicity.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this comforting classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in Amish Harvest Casserole That Shine

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Select lean cuts for a healthier dish, bringing rich flavor and substantial texture to the casserole.

• Zucchini, Carrot: Choose fresh, firm vegetables that add vibrant color, nutrition, and subtle sweetness to the recipe.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Rice: Serves as a hearty base that absorbs flavors and creates a satisfying texture.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy consistency and umami richness to the casserole.
• Milk: Helps create smooth, luscious sauce that binds ingredients together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, offering sharp, tangy notes and gooey texture.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden crust that adds delightful crunch.
• Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and develop rich, golden color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty flavor to the crispy topping.

• Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Elevate and balance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds fresh, bright finishing touch.

Tools That Help You Build Amish Harvest Casserole Fast

• Large skillet: Key tool for browning meat and cooking vegetables evenly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for mixing and baking the casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing the optional breadcrumb topping.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board and knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, zucchini, and carrots.

Cooking Amish Harvest Casserole from Start to Finish

• Fire Up The Oven

Warm your kitchen to a cozy 375 degrees and grease a large baking dish with a quick butter swipe.

• Brown The Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet, letting it turn golden and crispy. Toss in chopped onions and garlic, stirring until they release their aromatic magic.

• Veggie Dance

Introduce zucchini and carrots to your meat party, letting them mingle and soften. Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and thyme for extra flavor excitement.

• Mix And Meld

In a big bowl, create a delicious symphony by blending cooked rice, your meat-veggie mixture, creamy mushroom soup, milk, and cheese until everything hugs together perfectly.

• Dish It Out

Spread your hearty mixture into the baking dish, making sure every corner gets some love.

• Crispy Crown (Optional)

Craft a crunchy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, then shower it over the casserole.

• Bake To Perfection

Send your creation into the oven for 25-30 minutes until it bubbles with golden-topped deliciousness.

• Serve And Celebrate

Let it rest briefly, then dive into this comforting, hearty meal that screams home-cooked happiness.

Tips to Add Extra Veg or Cheese to Your Casserole

• Easily substitute ground beef with lean ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for different protein options and dietary needs.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep solution.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase fiber and vitamins without changing the core recipe.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Swap rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter, more diet-friendly version of the classic casserole.

How to Plate Amish Harvest Casserole for Family Meals

• Farm-Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to complement the rich casserole flavors.
• Hearty Bread Sidekick: Serve warm crusty bread or garlic toast alongside the casserole. The bread helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a perfect crunchy texture to the meal.
• Tangy Vegetable Pickles: Add a small side of homemade pickles or quick-pickled vegetables for a zesty contrast. The acidity cuts through the creamy casserole and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Rustic Comfort Beverage: Pair with a cold glass of iced tea or a light red wine to enhance the comforting, homestyle feel of this Amish-inspired dish.

Storing and Reheating Amish Harvest Casserole Smoothly

• Divide the casserole into individual serving sizes using meal prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy weekdays.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes.
• Revive cold casserole by adding a splash of milk before microwaving to restore creamy texture. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent edges from becoming tough and ensure even heating.

Hearty Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comforting Amish harvest casserole brings hearty Midwestern charm straight to dinner tables with layers of creamy potatoes, savory meats, and crisp vegetables. Country kitchens shine through this soul-warming dish that connects family and tradition on one delicious plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1 cup (150 g) cooked rice (white or brown)
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (25 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps melted butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation and Foundation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter, creating a non-stick surface for the hearty mixture.
2. Meat and Aromatics Transformation: Sizzle ground beef or turkey in a spacious skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned. Eliminate excess fat, then introduce diced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes.
3. Vegetable Integration: Fold zucchini and carrots into the meat medley, gently cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables reach a tender state. Enhance with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and thyme, creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Casserole Composition: In a generous mixing bowl, unite cooked rice, the seasoned meat-vegetable blend, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients and consistent flavor throughout.
5. Baking Preparation: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer. If desired, craft a crispy topping by combining breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, sprinkling generously across the surface.
6. Culinary Transformation: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a bubbling texture and golden-brown crown indicating complete cooking and optimal flavor development.
7. Serving Finale: Remove from oven and allow a brief resting period. Optional garnish of fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch to this comforting Amish-inspired dish.

Notes

• Ensure ground meat is thoroughly browned and crumbled to develop rich, deep flavor and prevent any raw meat texture in the casserole.
• Pat zucchini and carrots dry before adding to prevent excess liquid that could make the casserole watery and dilute the overall taste.
• Allow cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even distribution and prevent clumping in the casserole.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, or substitute cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version for dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg