There’s something deeply satisfying about a casserole that brings together simple ingredients into a warm, comforting meal. Amish Harvest Casserole is just that—a perfect combination of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Rooted in traditional home cooking, this dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave something hearty and wholesome.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and balance: the savory base of seasoned ground beef mingles with a colorful medley of carrots, potatoes, corn, and green beans. Cream of mushroom soup acts as a rich binder that holds everything together, while thyme and parsley add subtle herbal notes. Finally, a generous topping of cheddar cheese melts into a golden crust, giving the casserole an irresistible finish. This recipe showcases the charm of homestyle cooking—easy to make, satisfying, and made with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Filling – A complete, hearty meal that satisfies the whole family.
- Easy to Prepare – Straightforward steps and common ingredients make it beginner-friendly.
- Balanced Nutrition – Combines protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.
- Versatile and Adaptable – Customize with your favorite veggies or protein.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Reheats well and freezes beautifully for busy days.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Corn kernels
- Green beans
For the Sauce:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Dried thyme
- Dried parsley
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Variations
- Swap Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
- Add More Veggies: Include peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Use Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a twist.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute soup with dairy-free cream soups and use vegan cheese.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Base
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop carrots, potatoes, corn, and green beans into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture, vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, dried thyme, and parsley until well combined.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Parboil potatoes and carrots for quicker cooking.
- Drain excess fat from the beef for a less greasy casserole.
- Cover casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to thicken.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
- Great for a cozy weeknight dinner or potluck contribution.
- Complement with a light dessert like fruit salad or lemon bars.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the casserole completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, sauté fresh mushrooms and make a homemade sauce or use cream soup alternatives. - Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess water before mixing. - Can this casserole be made in advance?
Yes, assemble ahead and bake when ready. - How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup or make your own sauce. - Can I add other spices?
Yes, try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning. - What side dishes go well with this casserole?
Salad, steamed green beans, or garlic bread complement it nicely. - Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, mild flavors and familiar ingredients make it kid-friendly. - How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Drain excess liquid from vegetables and don’t over-sauce. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time accordingly. - Can leftovers be reheated more than once?
It’s best to reheat only once for food safety and quality.
Conclusion
Amish Harvest Casserole is a timeless, hearty dish that blends simple ingredients into a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation, nourishing balance, and rich flavors make it a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of homestyle goodness in every bite.
PrintAmish Harvest Casserole: A Hearty Homestyle Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting, hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a wholesome family meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Base:
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1 pound ground beef
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon salt
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½ 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
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened. Season with salt and black pepper.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with carrots, potatoes, corn, and green beans.
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In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with dried thyme and parsley until well combined.
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Pour the soup mixture over the beef and vegetables and stir until everything is evenly coated.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
-
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Adjust vegetables based on seasonal availability or preference.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade or dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish / American
Keywords: Amish casserole, comfort food, ground beef casserole, vegetable bake, hearty dinner