Soul-Warming Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe: A Farmhouse Delight

Nestled in the heart of rural kitchens, this hearty Amish harvest casserole recipe brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful dish that blends rustic ingredients with simple culinary magic.

Layers of tender potatoes, savory meats, and rich cheeses meld together in a symphony of flavor that warms the soul.

Each bite tells a story of traditional cooking passed down through farm kitchens across Pennsylvania’s rolling countryside.

The casserole captures the essence of farmstead cooking with its robust and satisfying profile.

Wholesome and filling, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that celebrates agricultural bounty.

Dive into this classic dish and experience the timeless comfort of Amish cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Amish Harvest Casserole

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Hearty foundation that adds rich, savory depth to the casserole, choose lean cuts for healthier option and drain excess fat for better texture.

• Zucchini, Carrot, Onion, Garlic: Colorful vegetable blend providing nutritional boost and layered flavor profile, select fresh, firm vegetables for maximum crunch and sweetness.

• Rice, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy elements that hold casserole together, creating smooth and comforting texture with mild tangy undertones.

• Breadcrumbs, Melted Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Crunchy garnish that adds golden-brown exterior and nutty flavor complexity, enhances overall dish presentation and textural contrast.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that introduces fresh, clean flavor and visual appeal, optional but recommended for added vibrancy.

• Cooking Spray, Butter: Essential for preventing sticking and adding subtle richness to the baking dish, choose unsalted butter for better flavor control.

Tools You’ll Want For Amish Harvest Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for browning meat and cooking vegetables evenly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating the hearty casserole and ensuring even baking.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine all ingredients thoroughly and mix well.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing the optional crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for chopping onions, garlic, zucchini, and carrots.

Directions For Making Amish Harvest Casserole

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a cozy temperature that will transform your ingredients into a delightful comfort meal. Lightly coat a baking dish with a thin layer of kitchen grease to prevent sticking.

• Meat Foundation

Brown your chosen ground protein in a sizzling skillet, letting it develop a rich, golden color. Toss in diced onions and crushed garlic, allowing them to dance and release their aromatic flavors.

• Vegetable Magic

Add vibrant zucchini and crisp carrots to your meat mixture. Let them mingle and soften, absorbing the savory essence of the skillet. Sprinkle with a whisper of seasoning to enhance their natural goodness.

• Casserole Harmony

In a spacious mixing bowl, create a delicious symphony by combining tender rice, the seasoned meat and vegetable blend, creamy soup, smooth milk, and tangy cheese. Stir gently until everything embraces each other.

• Baking Transformation

Spread the mixture into your prepared dish, creating an even landscape of deliciousness. If you’re feeling adventurous, crown your creation with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping.

• Golden Finish

Slide the casserole into the waiting oven. Watch as it bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown, promising a mouthwatering meal that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

• Serving Delight

Let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle. Serve warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to add a final touch of freshness.

Tips And Tricks For Amish Harvest Casserole

• Clever Cooking Hacks for Amish Harvest Casserole
• Meat Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground chicken, lamb, or plant-based protein crumbles for diverse flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. This technique saves time and enhances flavor melding.
• Veggie Versatility: Replace zucchini and carrots with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach to keep the dish exciting and nutrient-rich.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Up Amish Harvest Casserole

• Family Feast Night: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this hearty casserole brings warmth and comfort to dinner conversations.
• Potluck Party Perfection: Transport this crowd-pleasing dish easily to gatherings, where it'll quickly become everyone's favorite contribution.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion and store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving time and enjoying delicious flavors.
• Veggie Boost Option: Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase the dish's vitamins and minerals.

Storing Amish Harvest Casserole The Simple Way

• Smart Stashing Strategy: Keep leftovers in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to lock in flavor and prevent moisture from affecting the casserole's texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Store frozen meals for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For crispy top, use the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare components ahead of time – cook rice, chop vegetables, and brown meat up to 2 days in advance. Store each ingredient separately in sealed containers, making assembly quick and easy when ready to bake.

Hearty Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Amish harvest casserole brings wholesome comfort to midwestern dinner tables. Creamy layers of seasonal vegetables and tender proteins create a satisfying meal that connects families around warm, welcoming plates.

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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 tbsps melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cook ground meat until no pink remains, draining excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent.
3. Vegetable Integration: Introduce zucchini and carrots to the skillet, stirring gently to soften and meld with meat flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, distributing herbs evenly.
4. Mixture Composition: Combine cooked rice in a large mixing bowl, folding in the meat-vegetable medley. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup and milk, creating a creamy, unified texture. Gently mix in shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Assembly and Topping: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Blend breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this golden topping across the casserole surface.
6. Baking Process: Place in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, baking until the top achieves a rich golden-brown color and edges begin to bubble. Allow to rest for several minutes after removing from oven.
7. Finishing Touch: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbal accent before serving.

Notes

• Choose Lean Meat: Select ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, reducing overall fat content while maintaining protein-rich nutrition.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Swap zucchini and carrots with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or cauliflower to keep the dish versatile and exciting.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond meal to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Moisture Balance: If the casserole appears dry during baking, add a splash of chicken broth or extra milk to maintain a creamy, smooth texture without compromising flavor integrity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg