If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that celebrates the flavors of fall, look no further than this Amish Harvest Casserole. Packed with seasonal vegetables, tender ground beef or sausage, hearty grains, and a cheesy, creamy finish, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meals, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of rustic charm.

Whether you’re embracing autumn or just craving something warm and filling, this dish will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Harvest Casserole

• Hearty and Comforting: Packed with grains, vegetables, and protein, it’s a complete meal in one dish.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and seasonal produce for a budget-friendly recipe.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

What Does Amish Harvest Casserole Taste Like?

This casserole is earthy, savory, and slightly sweet from seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes. The creamy sauce ties everything together, while the melted cheese on top adds richness and flavor. It’s warm, comforting, and hearty—perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• Ground beef or sausage (1 lb, or use ground turkey for a lighter version)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed for browning the meat)
• Onion (1 medium, diced)

• Carrots (2, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Butternut squash (2 cups, peeled and diced, or substitute sweet potatoes)
• Cooked rice or quinoa (2 cups, for a hearty grain base)
• Frozen or fresh corn (1 cup)
• Frozen or fresh green beans (1 cup, chopped)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
• Sour cream (½ cup)
• Milk (½ cup)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups, divided)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional for extra flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed Ritz crackers (½ cup, mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter, for a crunchy topping)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet (to cook the meat and vegetables).
• Large mixing bowl (to combine ingredients).
• 9×13-inch baking dish (for assembling the casserole).
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring).

How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If using lean meat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
3. Stir in the diced butternut squash and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, if using. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
2. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In the large mixing bowl with the creamy sauce, add the cooked meat and vegetable mixture, cooked rice or quinoa, corn, and green beans. Stir to combine everything evenly.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

1. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
2. If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle the mixture over the cheese for a crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Amish Harvest Casserole

• Use Fresh or Frozen Vegetables: Both work well for this recipe, so use whatever you have on hand.
• Customize Your Grains: Swap rice or quinoa for farro, barley, or even egg noodles for a different twist.
• Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Slightly undercook the vegetables before baking to ensure they don’t get mushy.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables or canned beans like chickpeas or cannellini beans.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella for extra flavor.
• Sweet Touch: Add diced apples or dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the butternut squash.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the grains with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb casserole.

What to Serve with Amish Harvest Casserole

This casserole is a meal in itself, but you can serve it with these sides to round out your dinner:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm bread or a dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a light contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots for extra veggies.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, and bake as directed.

Can I use fresh butternut squash?

Absolutely! Just peel, seed, and dice the squash into bite-sized cubes. Sweet potatoes work as a great alternative too.

What type of rice works best?

White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice all work well in this recipe. Cook the rice beforehand and fold it into the casserole mixture.

Can I omit the cream soup?

If you prefer not to use canned cream soup, you can make a homemade roux-based sauce with butter, flour, and milk or broth as a substitute.

Conclusion

There you have it—Amish Harvest Casserole, a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for fall or any time of year. With its creamy sauce, tender vegetables, and cheesy topping, this casserole is a guaranteed hit for family dinners or gatherings.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more cozy casserole recipes, check out my cheesy chicken and rice casserole or shepherd’s pie—you won’t regret it!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g

Enjoy every warm, hearty bite of this Amish Harvest Casserole—it’s the perfect dish for cozy nights and family meals! 😊🍂🍴