The Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings together the best of comfort food with a delightful medley of savory flavors and hearty textures. This casserole is packed with tender ground meat, garden-fresh vegetables, and comforting pasta all baked to bubbly perfection, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress guests with simple goodness, this Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of this Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe is how it relies on simple, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final dish. From the flavorful ground beef to the creamy mushroom soup, every component adds depth, texture, and color — making this casserole a true celebration of well-balanced, home-style cooking.
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey: Provides a rich, savory base that anchors the casserole.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, comforting flavor.
- 1 cup carrots, diced: Brings a tender crunch and natural sweetness.
- 1 cup celery, chopped: Offers a subtle earthiness and crisp texture.
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds hearty substance and creaminess as they cook through.
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta: Provides fun, bite-sized comfort in every forkful.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Lends juicy acidity and vibrant color.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery): Creates a velvety, flavorful sauce that binds everything together.
- ½ cup milk: Smooths out the sauce for a creamy finish.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balanced spice.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Delivers a subtle herbal note that rounds out the dish.
- ½ tsp paprika: Offers a touch of smoky warmth and lovely color.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping): Melts into a golden, gooey layer that’s pure comfort.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): Provides freshness and a pop of green for a beautiful finish.
How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This simple prep step ensures your casserole won’t stick and the edges can get that perfectly crisp finish everyone loves.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, cook your ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it loses all its pinkness. This step builds a savory foundation packed with meaty goodness. Then add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for a couple of minutes until softened and fragrant—this combo is pure flavor magic.
Step 3: Add Your Veggies
Next, stir in the diced carrots, chopped celery, and potatoes. Let them cook with the meat and aromatics for about five minutes to start softening the vegetables, blending their natural sweetness and texture beautifully into the mixture.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
This is where the magic sauce comes together. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir everything well, then let it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld all the flavors into a luscious, creamy base.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Now it’s time to add the uncooked elbow macaroni, folding it thoroughly into the sauce and meat-veggie mixture. This step makes sure every pasta piece will soak up those rich flavors as it bakes to tender perfection.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the casserole mixture into your prepared dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 45 minutes, which gives the pasta and potatoes enough time to cook through and the whole dish to become wonderfully bubbly and inviting.
Step 7: Add Optional Cheese Topping
If you’re a cheese lover, this step is a must. Remove the foil, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar on top, and pop the casserole back into the oven for another 10 minutes. The cheese will melt and brown beautifully, adding an irresistible golden crown.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Garnished
Finally, take your casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens up the wholesome, hearty dish.
How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like chopped parsley is all you need to enhance the rustic charm of this Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe. The green flecks not only add a fresh aroma but also brighten the plate, making the dish look as good as it tastes. If you want to mix it up, sprinkle a little crispy fried onion or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra hint of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is already packed with veggies, protein, and carbs, light side dishes like a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts complement it beautifully. A fresh, tangy coleslaw or homemade pickles can also add a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy casserole, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner or family gathering, consider serving the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personalized portions. Layer some extra cheese on top before baking for that golden crust every guest will love. You can even add a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a delightful crunch on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and moisture. When ready to enjoy again, leftovers often taste even better as the flavors continue to meld overnight.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Simply assemble and bake it as directed, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Amish Harvest Casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—usually about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to maintain moisture, removing it near the end if you want to bring back that melted cheese’s golden crisp. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quicker option, though the oven method preserves the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! While ground beef or turkey are traditional choices, you can substitute with ground chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure it’s cooked through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the meat for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Using vegetable broth instead of meat-based ingredients also helps keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble it up to a day before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since the casserole will be cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’d prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a quick homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and finely chopped mushrooms or celery for flavor. This makes the casserole fresher and lets you control the ingredients.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen veggies work well in this dish, especially if you’re short on time. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the skillet to avoid a watery casserole.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe is like welcoming a warm, comforting tradition into your kitchen. This dish is the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and hearty goodness that will keep your family coming back for more. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s a reminder that the best dishes often come from the simplest ingredients and the coziest moments shared around the table. Go ahead—give this recipe a try and let it become your new comfort food classic!
Print
Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Amish Harvest Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring ground beef or turkey, tender vegetables, elbow macaroni, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. Perfectly baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this hearty casserole blends savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it an ideal family dinner especially during cooler seasons.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
Pasta & Canned Goods
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
Dairy & Seasonings
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots, chopped celery, and diced potatoes. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes to start softening the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the undrained diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika into the skillet. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine with Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta until well incorporated. This ensures the pasta will cook fully during the baking process, absorbing the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the pasta and potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
- Add Cheese Topping (Optional): Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- If you prefer, cream of celery soup can be used instead of cream of mushroom for a different flavor twist.
- For gluten-free preparation, substitute the macaroni with a gluten-free pasta variety.
- Cheese topping is optional but adds a rich, melty finish to the casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding freshly chopped parsley at the end enhances the presentation and adds a fresh herbal touch.
