If you are craving a cozy, hearty meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table, the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This beautiful medley of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs baked to perfection creates a dish bursting with autumnal flavors and satisfying textures. Every bite feels like a loving embrace, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or gathering friends around the table. The rich mix of potatoes, carrots, celery, and kidney beans sings with the heartiness of beef and the zest of tomatoes, capturing the essence of a vibrant harvest season in one casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, wholesome ingredients ensures your Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe will be packed with flavor and nutritious goodness. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender potatoes adding body to the dish, to the herbs bringing that subtle, aromatic lift, making the casserole a well-rounded meal perfect for any day.
- 1 pound ground beef: provides a rich, savory base full of protein and hearty flavor.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): infuses the dish with a warm, inviting aroma and punch.
- 2 cups diced potatoes: deliver a comforting, starchy texture that soaks up all the lovely juices.
- 1 cup diced carrots: contribute a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup diced celery: brings a subtle crunch and fresh earthiness to the mix.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed): enrich the casserole with creaminess and boost fiber content.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice): add moisture and a bright, tangy note that balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: deepens the tomato flavor and ties all ingredients harmoniously together.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: offers a subtle savory herbiness that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: lifts the tomato base with its sweet, slightly peppery character.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: adds a gentle heat and spice that brings all flavors alive.
- 1 teaspoon salt: enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): melts into a luscious, golden topping that finishes the casserole with comforting creaminess.
How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F because this casserole bakes to perfection at that temperature. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions have softened. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and creates a flavorful base. Remember to drain off any excess grease so the casserole won’t be greasy but still moist and delicious.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Once the beef mixture is ready, transfer it to a big mixing bowl. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together well, making sure each bite will have a wonderful balance of texture and flavor. This combination of fresh and canned ingredients is what makes the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe so hearty and satisfying.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to keep the casserole from sticking and pour the mixture into it. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture, then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld into a rich, savory casserole that’s bursting with autumn harvest goodness.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top if you’re using it. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes so the cheese can melt and turn golden and bubbly. After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes; this allows it to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve and enjoying every flavorful bite.
How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Keep garnishing simple to let the casserole shine—sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of green and a fresh flavor contrast. For an extra touch of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream on the side makes each serving even more comforting without overpowering the delicious harvest vegetables.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread is a fantastic way to round out the meal. The salad adds a refreshing crunch and brightness to balance the casserole’s hearty richness, while the bread is perfect for mopping up all those tasty juices left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or looking to make mealtime feel extra special, consider plating individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or ramekins. This adds a charming rustic touch, reminiscent of the cozy spirit behind the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe, and lets everyone enjoy their own personalized serving straight from the oven.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Harvest Casserole stays delicious when stored properly. Place any uneaten casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully without losing moisture or flavor—just cover it to prevent drying out and warm it thoroughly before serving again.
Freezing
This recipe freezes incredibly well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick future dinners. Assemble the casserole fully but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This way, you can have a freshly baked Amish Harvest Casserole anytime you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20–25 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, but do so carefully to avoid overcooking the vegetables. The cheese topping might lose some of its original texture, but the overall flavor remains fabulous.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that still holds the flavors well. Just be mindful it cooks a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the texture as you brown it.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free if you use tomato products and seasonings labeled gluten-free. Always double-check labels, especially if you have celiac disease or a strong gluten intolerance.
Can I make this Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for extra beans, lentils, or even a plant-based meat substitute. You might want to increase the seasoning slightly to retain that rich, comforting flavor profile.
How can I add more richness to the dish?
Stirring in a quarter cup of sour cream before baking brings a lovely creaminess that enhances the texture and flavor without overpowering the natural harvest tastes.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Cover leftovers loosely with foil before reheating in the oven to keep moisture locked in. Reheating slowly at a lower temperature helps maintain the casserole’s comforting texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe that brings people together over a shared love of simple, honest food with layers of heartwarming flavor. Whether you’re warming up a weeknight or hosting a fall dinner, this casserole fills the table with golden color, inviting smells, and a taste that feels like a celebration of the season. Give it a try and create new delicious memories around your own harvest table!
Print
Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Amish Harvest Casserole is a hearty and wholesome baked dish combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, and beans, all simmered together with aromatic herbs and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting American main course is perfect for a cozy family dinner, especially during the fall season.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Beans
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook beef and aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef mixture with diced potatoes, carrots, celery, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients and seasonings.
- Prepare casserole dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the combined mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top if desired. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors settle before serving warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter, leaner option.
- For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream before baking.
- This casserole freezes very well; assemble the dish and freeze before baking to enjoy later.
- Ensure to use gluten-free tomato products to keep the dish gluten-free.
