Amish Harvest Casserole is a delicious one-dish meal that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and an assortment of vegetables baked in a cheesy, creamy sauce. This casserole is not only delicious but also versatile.
This comforting casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, providing both flavor and nourishment in every bite. It's a hearty, satisfying dish that blends simple ingredients into a warm, flavorful meal.
What makes amish harvest casserole so unique is its ability to combine various ingredients into a single, cohesive dish. The ground beef provides a savory base, while the vegetables add a touch of sweetness and texture.
You can adjust the vegetables based on your availability or add extra seasonings for more flavor. It's a fantastic way to use leftover veggies or add some extra greens like spinach or kale for a nutritious boost.
Amish Harvest Casserole is a dish that feels like home. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for serving a crowd or as a meal prep option for the week. Let's dive into how you can make this hearty casserole at home!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This casserole is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, making it a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
- Comforting and Cheesy: The cheesy, creamy sauce ties everything together, making every bite rich and indulgent.
- Simple and Quick: This casserole requires minimal preparation and only one baking dish. It is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can swap out the vegetables or adjust the seasoning to fit your tastes, making it easy to make it your own.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes enough to feed a large group or provide leftovers for the week, making it great for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped (or peas, corn, or your preferred vegetable)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon benefits of olive oil (for cooking the beef)
Directions
- Step No.1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Step No.2: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step No.3: Cook the ground beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cook until browned, and break it apart with a spatula.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain excess fat and set aside the meat.
- Step No.4: Sauté the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced carrots and green beans (or any vegetables you prefer) and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Step No.5: Mix the casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, sautéed vegetables, drained diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, oregano, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Step No.6: Assemble and bake
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step No.7: Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal with your favorite side salad or bread!
Tips for Success
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a leaner casserole, opt for 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also use ground chicken if preferred.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the carrots, green beans, or peas for other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers. This is a great recipe to clean out the fridge!
- Add Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier casserole, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese on top before baking or add a handful of Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a little heat, or top the casserole with jalapeños before serving.
Variations
- Cheesy Bacon Casserole: For an extra layer of flavor, add ½ cups of crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture.
- Vegetarian Amish Harvest Casserole: Skip the ground beef and replace it with lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian version. You can also use plant-based protein crumbles for a vegan option.
- Southwest Amish Harvest Casserole: For a southwest-inspired twist, add 1 cup of black beans, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of cumin to the mixture.
- Creamy Chicken Casserole: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken for a chicken version of this comforting dish.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve Amish Harvest Casserole with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s great for feeding a crowd or as leftovers for lunch the next day.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta.
Yes, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through. Top with cheese and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Amish Harvest Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a filling, satisfying meal with your family.
With its combination of tender ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and creamy sauce, it's sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Whether served for dinner or made ahead for easy meal prep, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
AMISH HARVEST CASSEROLE
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 can 15 oz corn, drained (or use fresh or frozen corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the potato mixture: In a separate pot, cook the diced potatoes in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes, or until they are just tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, partially cooked potatoes, corn, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To make this casserole ahead of time, prepare it up to the baking step and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and then bake as instructed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
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