Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe! A Cozy, Hearty Family Favorite

There’s something deeply comforting about an Amish Harvest Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it came straight from a farmhouse kitchen slow, intentional, and made to feed a table full of hungry loved ones. Rooted in the Amish tradition of simple ingredients and nourishing meals, this casserole celebrates the flavors of the harvest season with layers of tender vegetables, savory beef, and creamy goodness baked to golden perfection.

Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight dinner, a make-ahead meal for busy schedules, or a potluck dish that earns compliments every time, Amish Harvest Casserole delivers warmth, comfort, and timeless flavor in every bite.

What Is Amish Harvest Casserole?

Amish Harvest Casserole is a baked, layered dish inspired by traditional Amish cooking principles: use what you have, avoid waste, and cook food that nourishes both body and soul. Typically made with ground beef, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a creamy sauce, it’s designed to be filling, economical, and deeply satisfying.

Unlike trendy casseroles loaded with processed ingredients, this recipe focuses on wholesome pantry staples. The result is a rustic, old-fashioned casserole that tastes even better the next day.

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~420 per serving

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
4. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
5. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the vegetables.
6. In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk.
7. Pour half of the sauce over the layers. Repeat layers once more.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with melted butter.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
11. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and plant milk.
• Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Let the casserole rest before serving for clean slices.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Amish Harvest Casserole is ideal for meal prep. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Undercooked Potatoes: Slice thinner or pre-parboil.
• Too Dry: Add extra milk or sauce.
• Watery Texture: Let casserole rest before slicing.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve Amish Harvest Casserole with a crisp green salad or homemade bread like Moroccan Bread . A side of applesauce or pickled beets adds a traditional Amish touch.

Amish Harvest Casserole

This Amish Harvest Casserole is a cozy, hearty baked dinner layered with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, harvest vegetables, and a creamy sauce—perfect for family-style comfort food.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: Amish

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole Layers

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups russet potatoes thinly sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables carrots, corn, and green beans (fresh or frozen)

Creamy Sauce & Topping

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp butter melted

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Foil

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Add half of the beef mixture, then half of the mixed vegetables.
5. Whisk the cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl until smooth, then pour half of the sauce over the layers.
6. Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes, remaining beef mixture, remaining vegetables, then the remaining sauce.
7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with melted butter.
8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for 15 more minutes, until bubbly and golden and the potatoes are fork-tender.
10. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra “harvest” flavor, add 1 cup diced butternut squash or sweet potato (thinly sliced) to the vegetable layer. If your potatoes are thick-cut, extend covered bake time by 10–15 minutes until tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Amish Harvest Casserole?

Yes, freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.

What vegetables work best?

Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips are ideal.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! sweet potatoes add natural sweetness.

Is this casserole spicy?

No, it’s mild and family-friendly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use two baking dishes for best results.

Conclusion

This Amish Harvest Casserole is more than just a meal, it’s a reminder of slower days, shared tables, and the comfort of home-cooked food. With its hearty layers and timeless flavor, it deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation. Try it once, and it may just become a family tradition.

For more inspiration on wholesome cooking, visit USDA.gov for guidance on seasonal produce and nutrition.