If you’re dreaming of a cozy, comforting meal bursting with the flavors of fall, Amish Harvest Casserole is about to become your new best friend. This hearty bake packs in savory ground meat, wholesome veggies, hearty rice, and a creamy finish under a blanket of golden cheddar—every bite is a big, warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just seeking a soul-satisfying family dinner, this one-dish wonder brings together simplicity and deeply satisfying flavors for a meal that never fails to please.

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Amish Harvest Casserole relies on a handful of familiar, down-to-earth ingredients, each one adding its own special touch to this layered comfort dish. From sweet root vegetables to gooey cheddar and a handful of pantry spices, every piece plays a role in building deep flavor and heartiness. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love it!

Ground beef or ground turkey: Adds rich, savory depth and provides the foundation for the casserole’s satisfying bite.
Small onion (diced): Gives the dish its sweet, aromatic base, melding perfectly with the meat.
Garlic (minced): A touch of garlic brings out earthiness and intensifies every flavor.
Salt: Essential for balancing and amplifying each ingredient’s best qualities—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and a layer of complexity to the overall taste.
Dried thyme: Infuses a gentle, herbal note that’s classic in Amish kitchen creations.
Dried sage: Echoes the harvest season, lending a woodsy aroma that’s pure comfort.
Uncooked brown or white rice: Acts as the heart of the casserole, absorbing all those delicious juices and creating a tender bite.
Beef or vegetable broth: Provides moisture while enriching the dish with robust, savory undertones.
Sweet potato (peeled and diced): Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color—so autumnal!
Carrots (sliced): Offer earthiness and sweetness, plus they soak up the flavors beautifully.
Green beans (trimmed and chopped): Bring bright flavor and a little tender crunch.
Frozen corn: Sweet, juicy pops in every bite—plus, it’s so easy to keep on hand.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Bakes to melty, golden perfection on top, making the whole thing irresistible.
Milk: Helps create a creamy consistency once baked, pulling every ingredient together.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess that makes every spoonful dreamy.

How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions

Start by cooking your ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat, along with the diced onions. Sauté until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are soft—this step deepens the flavor and gives you that irresistible, home-cooked aroma right from the get-go.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Toss in your minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and sage. Stir for another minute or so; giving the spices a moment in the heat really unlocks their magic, filling your kitchen with savory, comforting notes.

Step 3: Layer in the Grain and Veggies

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and give it a good stir to coat it with those delicious seasonings. Next, pour in the broth and add your sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and corn. This colorful mix captures everything that’s wonderful about a fall harvest.

Step 4: Simmer and Transfer

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about five minutes. This makes sure the rice starts to absorb the broth and flavors begin to meld. Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender, the veggies are soft, and most of the liquid is absorbed. The anticipation at this stage is very real!

Step 6: Make it Creamy and Cheesy

Remove the casserole from the oven, carefully lift the foil, and stir in the milk and sour cream for that dreamy, creamy texture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Pop it back in the oven, uncovered, for 5 to 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbling and irresistibly golden.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Once baked, let the Amish Harvest Casserole rest for about five minutes before serving. This gives all those delicious layers a moment to settle and ensures you get tidy, luscious scoops every time.

How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole

Garnishes

To give your Amish Harvest Casserole an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or some sliced green onions just before serving. For a more rustic approach, a few fresh thyme sprigs add a lovely fragrance and color right as you bring it to the table.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main, but it loves good company! Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette or warm up a crusty loaf of bread to soak up any creamy goodness from your plate. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed apples are also fantastic partners if you want a little extra fall flair.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop portions of Amish Harvest Casserole into individual ramekins before baking for personalized servings. Hosting a dinner party? Serve it in a vintage-style baking dish and scatter extra cheddar on top for maximum wow factor. You can even stuff leftovers into bell peppers and bake for a brand new meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Amish Harvest Casserole stores beautifully. Simply cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the cooled casserole into airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, perfect for next-day lunches and quick dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, allow your casserole to cool completely before wrapping it well with plastic and foil, or scoop portions into freezer-safe containers. The casserole freezes well for up to three months—just make sure to label and date your container so it’s easy to find.

Reheating

When ready for round two, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat individual servings in the microwave or the entire baking dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if the casserole looks a bit dry—it’ll revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a wonderful, lean alternative and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to season well as chicken’s flavor is slightly milder.

Is it possible to make Amish Harvest Casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap in plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get all the hearty goodness, just in a meatless form.

Can I substitute white rice for brown rice?

You certainly can. White rice will cook a little faster and result in a slightly different texture, but it blends seamlessly with all the cozy flavors of Amish Harvest Casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

It’s ready when the rice and veggies are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The casserole should have a creamy consistency, and the cheese on top will be melty and bubbling.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Feel free to get creative! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are all tasty additions that work well with the heartiness of the base Amish Harvest Casserole recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that embodies comfort, seasonality, and simplicity, Amish Harvest Casserole is exactly what you want. Every bite is a celebration of homey, nostalgic flavors and hearty ingredients. Give it a try—you just might find yourself coming back to this recipe every fall and beyond!

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Amish Harvest Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, rice, and an assortment of seasonal vegetables, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. This wholesome casserole is a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Dish:

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried sage

Casserole Base:

1 cup uncooked brown rice or white rice
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
1/2 cup frozen corn

Final Touches:

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons sour cream

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage.
Add ingredients: Stir in rice, broth, sweet potato, carrots, green beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 mins.
Bake: Transfer to baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45–50 mins.
Final steps: Stir in milk and sour cream. Top with cheese and bake uncovered for 5–10 mins. Rest before serving.

Notes

You can substitute butternut squash for sweet potato or add mushrooms for more flavor.
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meat or lentils with vegetable broth.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American