If there’s a dish that feels like home in a baking dish, it has to be this Amish Harvest Casserole. Packed with tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, flavorful rice, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this one-pan wonder is fall comfort food at its very best. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy potluck contribution, Amish Harvest Casserole will satisfy with its colorful, wholesome ingredients and old-fashioned farmhouse flavors!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Amish Harvest Casserole is how every simple ingredient contributes a unique layer of flavor and nutrition. Each element is down-to-earth, accessible, and essential to crafting that signature rustic, satisfying bite you’ll want to revisit all season long.

Ground Beef: Adds rich, savory depth and transforms the casserole into a full, hearty meal.
Onion: Diced onion infuses the dish with a gentle sweetness and aroma that’s unbeatable.
Garlic: Just a bit goes a long way to brighten and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Cooked Brown Rice: Nutty and toothsome, brown rice soaks up all those delicious juices.
Diced Carrots: Provide bursts of color, gentle sweetness, and lovely tender-crisp bites.
Diced Sweet Potatoes: Earthy, sweet, and vibrant orange throughout the casserole.
Zucchini: Brings a hint of green and a juicy, mild crunch that balances the other veggies.
Canned Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Add a subtle tang and keep everything moist and saucy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts to bubbly, golden perfection for that crave-worthy, gooey top.
Sour Cream: Gives the casserole its signature creaminess and a slight tang.
Milk: Thins out the sour cream just right for a smooth, cohesive base.
Dried Thyme: Delivers fragrant, herbaceous notes that complement the veggies.
Dried Oregano: Brings a rustic, slightly peppery warmth and complexity.
Salt: Enhances every flavor; don’t skimp!
Black Pepper: Balances the richness with gentle, warming spice.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures effortless serving and less messy cleanup.

How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks later and cleanup is a breeze. This first step sets the stage for easy baking and beautiful serving.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and break it up as it cooks. You’ll want to give it about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Once browned, it’s the flavorful base of the casserole. If there’s a lot of extra fat, drain it off before moving on.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic with the beef. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This quick step punches up the savory flavor in a way you won’t want to skip!

Step 4: Combine Everything in a Large Bowl

In a big mixing bowl, add the cooked brown rice, carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, diced tomatoes (with their juice!), sour cream, milk, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together, then mix in your cooked beef, onion, and garlic, along with half the shredded cheddar cheese. Take a moment to really combine everything — you want those creamy, herby flavors in every bite.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to melt together and the veggies to begin softening without over-browning.

Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. At this point, the cheese will melt into a gorgeous bubbly blanket and the vegetables will reach that perfect fork-tender stage. Let the Amish Harvest Casserole sit for about five minutes before you serve — this helps it firm up just right for tidy slices.

How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole

Garnishes

Scatter some fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and extra garden-fresh aroma — just like the finishing touches you’d find on an Amish family table. If you’d like, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of paprika can brighten things up, too.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole shines when served with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans. If you’re feeling cozy, pair it alongside homemade applesauce or a warm loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all those extra creamy, tomatoey edges.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Amish Harvest Casserole in wide, shallow bowls for a farmhouse-style vibe, or portion into individual ramekins for dinner parties. If you love a little extra crunch, sprinkle crushed butter crackers or toasted breadcrumbs on top right before the final bake for a crowd-pleasing twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Amish Harvest Casserole stays delicious for up to four days in the refrigerator. Just transfer any remaining portions to airtight containers once cooled; this locks in flavor and keeps everything extra moist for reheating!

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Wrap the cooled dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, making busy nights a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave until steaming hot, or pop larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow the Amish Harvest Casserole to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

FAQs

Can I make Amish Harvest Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add in extra diced veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, or stir in a can of drained beans for satisfying plant-based protein. You’ll still get that creamy, herby, utterly comforting goodness.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute cooked white rice for brown if that’s what you have on hand. The casserole may be a touch softer and a little less nutty, but it will cook up beautifully and still be utterly delicious.

What other cheeses work well in Amish Harvest Casserole?

While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky gouda for a fun twist. You can even mix cheeses for extra depth and gooeyness!

Can I prep Amish Harvest Casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time and enjoy that make-ahead magic — it actually lets the flavors mingle even more.

Is Amish Harvest Casserole gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify all packaged ingredients (like your broth, cheese, or cooking spray) don’t contain hidden gluten. This makes it a fantastic, crowd-friendly dish for any dinner table.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience how comforting and vibrant Amish Harvest Casserole can be. It’s colorful, so satisfying, and unfussy — perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and watch it become a new comfort-food favorite in your kitchen!

Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Amish Harvest Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, vegetables, rice, and cheese in one delicious bake. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced sweet potatoes
1 zucchini, chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix rice, carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, sour cream, milk, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and half of the cheese. Add beef mixture and mix well.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish, top with remaining cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.