Nothing says comfort like a warm, hearty casserole straight from the oven. The Amish Harvest Casserole combines tender ground beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy fall evenings when you want something filling, wholesome, and easy to make.
This casserole is inspired by traditional Amish cooking, which emphasizes simple ingredients, homestyle flavors, and hearty portions. The combination of seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy mushroom sauce makes this dish both flavorful and nutritious. It’s versatile, forgiving, and sure to become a family favorite.
The balance of textures—from tender vegetables to melty cheese—and the savory aroma of thyme and parsley creates a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Serve it with warm bread or a side salad for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the green beans, and measure out the corn. For even cooking, dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Vegetables
In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Add the vegetables and cooked beef to the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a rich, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a simple side salad, or steamed green vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Amish Harvest Casserole
- Vegetable preparation: Dice potatoes and carrots uniformly for even cooking.
- Cheese topping: For extra richness, add a mix of cheddar and mozzarella or sprinkle some Parmesan on top.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Add extra flavor: Include minced garlic, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers for more depth.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make the dish fully gluten-free.
Q2: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Q3: Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute can be used.
Q4: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or peas can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q5: Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, freeze the assembled casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Amish Harvest Casserole: A Cozy, Hearty Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Amish Harvest Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring a savory ground beef base, fresh vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with cheddar cheese—perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the cooked beef in a greased baking dish, then add carrots, potatoes, corn, and green beans.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup with thyme and parsley, then pour over the layered ingredients.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender and casserole is heated through.
- Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes for a lightly browned cheese topping. Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have on hand.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
The Amish Harvest Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal that brings together seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family meals, it’s simple to make, versatile, and packed with homestyle flavor. With minimal prep and maximum satisfaction, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.