Warm, rustic, and undeniably comforting, Amish Harvest Casserole is the kind of dish that truly feels like a gentle hug from the inside out. With its deliciously hearty blend of ground beef, sweet vegetables, tender brown rice, and a delightfully creamy base, this casserole packs autumn color and country comfort into every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or need a reliable potluck hit, this dinner brings everyone around the table with smiles and satisfied bellies.

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of Amish Harvest Casserole: the ingredients are so simple, but each one truly shines. Every vegetable brings color and fresh flavor, while the pantry staples tie it all together for one showstopping, bake-and-serve dish with heart.

Ground Beef: Lean and savory, it’s the soul of this casserole—try ground turkey or sausage for a tasty twist.
Onion (chopped): Sweet and aromatic, onions round out the flavors and offer that irresistible, homey scent as it bakes.
Carrots (sliced): Bright pops of color and gentle sweetness that play off earthy notes from other veggies.
Celery (sliced): Adds crunch and a subtle, herby backdrop that keeps each bite interesting.
Sweet Potato (peeled and cubed): Brings a creamy, velvety texture and just a hint of sweetness that feels so right for cozy dinners.
Canned Corn (drained): Adds a touch of juicy crunch and sunny sweetness that complements the harvest theme.
Cooked Brown Rice: A hearty, nutty carrier, giving that stick-to-your-ribs comfort (use leftover rice to make it even easier!).
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The lush, creamy binder that pulls every ingredient together with rich flavor.
Milk: Adds a touch more creaminess and helps everything meld for that perfect scoopable consistency.
Garlic Powder: For gentle, savory warmth without overpowering the veggies.
Dried Thyme: A classic herb that feels essential to that earthy, fall-inspired Amish flavor.
Salt: Brightens and balances every other flavor in the casserole.
Black Pepper: Adds just enough gentle heat to tie everything together.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): Melty, golden perfection—totally optional but highly recommended for cheese lovers.

How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef with the chopped onion, and cook them together until the beef turns deeply browned and those little sizzling bits start to smell incredible. Be sure to drain off any extra grease to keep things light and flavorful.

Step 2: Add the Root Vegetables

Now it’s time for carrots, celery, and sweet potato to take center stage. Toss them into the skillet and stir everything well. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes—just enough so they start to soften around the edges while still holding onto that lovely bite. You’ll notice the pan fill with color and an inviting, earthy aroma.

Step 3: Build the Casserole Base

Add in the corn, cooked brown rice, creamy mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir and fold until the mixture feels uniform and evenly combined—this is where the magic really happens, as those flavors get friendly and the texture turns lusciously creamy.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the whole fragrant mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out for an even layer. Cover tightly with foil and slide it into your hot oven for 30 minutes—just enough to let the veggies tenderize and flavors meld.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking

After the initial bake, pull off the foil and (if you’re going for gold) sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top. Return to the oven uncovered for about 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden, and the casserole is hot and irresistibly melty.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your Amish Harvest Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This quick pause allows all the flavors to settle beautifully and makes scooping oh-so-satisfying. Now comes the best part—dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives over each serving adds a pop of color and an herbal lift that plays off the creamy, savory base. For a cozy autumn feel, a spoonful of sour cream or a little extra cracked black pepper is always welcome. If you love cheese, another handful of shredded cheddar on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

Amish Harvest Casserole is the star of the show, but it shines even brighter with simple sides. A leafy green salad tossed with apple and walnuts, a slice of crusty country bread, or classic steamed green beans round out this hearty meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for adorable, personal servings. Or, serve it at a fall gathering in a cast iron skillet for major rustic charm. This dish is also lovely topped with crunchy fried onions or crushed crackers during the last few minutes of baking for texture drama.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Amish Harvest Casserole store like a dream! Just transfer any extra portions into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually get even cozier overnight, making it a great choice for meal prep.

Freezing

To freeze, simply cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap (or use a freezer-safe container). It’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re craving that warm, comforting bite, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for a quick lunch, or pop the whole dish in a low oven (about 325°F) until it’s hot throughout. If the casserole looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk or stock before reheating to bring back its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make Amish Harvest Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the whole casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time if baking straight from the fridge.

What protein alternatives work in this casserole?

Ground turkey and sausage are fantastic swaps for the beef, giving a different but equally tasty spin. For a meatless meal, use cooked beans or extra mushrooms instead.

Can I use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice?

Definitely! White rice keeps things extra soft and delicate, while quinoa brings a light, nutritious twist. Both absorb flavors beautifully, so feel free to sub with whatever you have.

Is there a dairy-free version of Amish Harvest Casserole?

You bet! Opt for a dairy-free mushroom soup, use non-dairy milk, and either skip the cheese or try your favorite vegan melt. The casserole stays creamy and delicious with these swaps.

How do I make this gluten free?

Just grab a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check your other ingredients (especially seasonings and rice). With those simple tweaks, your Amish Harvest Casserole is ready for gluten-free guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about baking up Amish Harvest Casserole for those you love—it’s cozy, dependable, and so full of harvest goodness that you can’t help but go back for seconds. Give this recipe a try and let the aroma of home-cooked comfort fill your kitchen.

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty Amish Harvest Casserole that combines ground beef, vegetables, and rice in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup celery, sliced
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup canned corn, drained
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Topping:

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onions until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add vegetables: Add carrots, celery, and sweet potato to the skillet; cook until slightly softened.
Mix ingredients: Stir in corn, rice, soup, milk, and seasonings. Combine well.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Add cheese topping, bake uncovered for 10 more minutes.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole is versatile; feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
For a vegetarian option, omit the beef and try adding more veggies or mushrooms.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American