Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty amish harvest casserole that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

Layers of creamy potatoes, tender meat, and vibrant vegetables create a delightful symphony of flavors.

Generations of farm families have perfected this rustic dish, passing down culinary wisdom through simple, nourishing ingredients.

Simple pantry staples come together in a magical blend that speaks to traditional midwest cooking.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top promise a satisfying meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas.

Families gather around the table, eager to savor each comforting bite of this classic casserole.

Amish Harvest Casserole to Savor

  • Hearty Comfort Food: Packed with protein-rich ground beef and a medley of colorful vegetables, this casserole delivers ultimate satisfaction in every comforting bite.
  • Simple Slow Cooker Magic: Minimal prep work and hands-off cooking make this recipe perfect for busy families who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize and Adapt: Easily swap vegetables or protein based on what's in your pantry, making this a versatile dish that welcomes personal creativity and kitchen flexibility.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kid-approved flavors and a creamy texture ensure everyone at the table will enjoy this nutritious, filling meal that brings loved ones together.

Ingredients Included in Amish Harvest Casserole

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the casserole.
For the Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Potatoes, Corn, Green Beans: A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables that add nutrition and texture to the dish.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor base for the casserole.
For the Flavor Enhancers and Binding:
  • Mushroom Soup: A creamy ingredient that helps bind the casserole and adds moisture.
  • Thyme, Parsley: Herbs that provide a fresh and earthy flavor profile to the dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A melty topping that adds richness and a golden finish to the casserole.

How to Prepare Amish Harvest Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high flame. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until it loses its pink color.

Drain away excess fat using a colander. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.

Transfer this flavorful mixture into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Create Veggie Symphony

Layer these vibrant vegetables into the slow cooker:
  • Chopped carrots
  • Diced potatoes
  • Sweet corn kernels
  • Tender green beans

Pour creamy mushroom soup over the vegetables.

Sprinkle dried thyme and fresh parsley across the top. Gently fold everything together to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Slow Simmer Magic

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its culinary magic. Cook on LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on HIGH setting for 3-4 hours.

The goal is achieving perfectly tender vegetables that melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Cheese Crown

About 30 minutes before serving, generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Allow the cheese to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after cooking.

This allows flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Scoop onto plates and enjoy your hearty Amish Harvest Casserole.

Tips That Improve Amish Harvest Casserole

  • Pat ground beef with paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring a lighter, less oily casserole.
  • Chop vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the meat's richness.
  • This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – perfect for meal prepping or unexpected guests.
  • Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant friends.

Variations to Try on Amish Harvest Casserole

  • Vegetarian Harvest Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version. Choose firm tofu or tempeh for added texture and nutrition.
  • Spicy Southwest Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to create a zesty flavor profile. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese and include black beans for a southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Casserole: Incorporate zucchini, bell peppers, and replace thyme with oregano and rosemary. Top with crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
  • Lean Protein Powerhouse: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Add quinoa for extra protein and swap mushroom soup for Greek yogurt-based sauce to create a lighter, healthier option.

Pairings That Match Amish Harvest Casserole

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the hearty beef and rich cheese flavors.
  • Create Comfort with Cornbread: Bake a slightly sweet, buttery cornbread to soak up the creamy mushroom soup and balance the savory casserole.
  • Refresh with Crisp Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and add brightness to the meal.
  • Enhance with Herb Bread: Serve warm garlic and herb focaccia that echoes the casserole's thyme and parsley notes while providing a delightful textural contrast.

Proper Storage for Amish Harvest Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Properly stored, the casserole will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.
  • Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even leave it out for a vegetarian version.

  • Is this dish gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that your seasonings are gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can adapt this recipe for the oven. Combine ingredients in a casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 1-1.5 hours, checking vegetable tenderness.

  • Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chop vegetables and brown meat the night before, then assemble everything in the slow cooker in the morning for an easy dinner.

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Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Amish harvest casserole delivers comfort straight from Pennsylvania’s rolling farmlands, blending seasonal vegetables with rich, creamy textures. Home cooks will savor this soul-warming dish that celebrates rural culinary traditions with each delicious, satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and 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 (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 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
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until completely browned, removing excess grease. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker, creating an even base layer.
  3. Systematically arrange chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, corn kernels, and green beans atop the meat layer.
  4. Gently pour mushroom soup across the vegetable surface, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Sprinkle dried thyme and chopped parsley evenly over the ingredients, providing aromatic seasoning.
  6. Carefully blend ingredients using a spatula to maintain vegetable integrity.
  7. Set slow cooker to LOW temperature, cooking for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until vegetables reach desired tenderness.
  8. During final 30 minutes of cooking, generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the casserole’s surface.
  9. Allow cheese to melt completely and create a golden, bubbling top layer.
  10. Remove from heat and permit casserole to rest for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using grass-fed beef for richer taste and healthier protein source.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, leaner alternative that works perfectly for health-conscious eaters.
  • Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • For gluten-sensitive individuals, replace mushroom soup with homemade cream sauce using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as thickener.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 371 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 548 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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