Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
This hearty Amish Harvest Casserole is pure comfort food joy wrapped in a single baking dish. A layered symphony of savory ground beef, bright veggies, wide egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this recipe is a tribute to everything we love about Amish home cooking: simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to make a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing something special to a potluck, you’ll fall in love with every golden, bubbly bite of Amish Harvest Casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Amish Harvest Casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients that, when layered together, create fantastic flavor and irresistible texture. Every component has a purpose, and substituting or skipping them just wouldn’t deliver the same magic!
- Wide egg noodles: These noodles offer the ideal base, absorbing the sauce while remaining satisfyingly tender.
- Ground beef: Rich and savory, it lays the foundation for a meaty, hearty casserole.
- Onion: A classic aromatic that brings gentle sweetness and depth to the beef.
- Garlic: Just two cloves intensify the dish’s overall savoriness.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a tangy, velvety backdrop for all the savory flavors to meld.
- Diced tomatoes: These add juiciness and texture, ensuring every bite is satisfying and moist.
- Worcestershire sauce: A little goes a long way, giving the meat mixture a punch of umami.
- Dried oregano: Brings rustic, herbal notes that tie the entire casserole together.
- Dried basil: Infuses gentle sweetness and an unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential basics for seasoning; don’t skip or skimp!
- Zucchini: Mild and tender, it bulks out the casserole while soaking up the sauce.
- Yellow squash: Adds color and a subtle, buttery flavor.
- Shredded carrots: For a touch of sweetness and a festive, hearty feel.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and savory, this is the defining cheesy element.
- Sour cream: The secret to achieving a creamy, slightly tangy filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled throughout for richness and a salty kick.
- Fresh parsley: A finishing touch for color, freshness, and extra flavor right before serving.
How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F for that gentle, even bake we’re after. Next, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish—it’ll keep those precious layers from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Stir and break up the meat as it cooks, letting the onions sweat and turn fragrant. Once the beef is browned and crumbly with no more pink showing, drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy casserole.
Step 3: Build the Savory Sauce
Add the minced garlic straight into the skillet and give it a quick stir until it’s fragrant—just 30 seconds is plenty. Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let this robust mixture simmer for around 10 minutes so all those flavors can mingle and develop richness.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese and Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy-cheesy blend makes the casserole super luscious once baked—don’t be afraid to sneak a little taste!
Step 5: Layer Everything Together
Now comes the fun, and honestly, the most rewarding part: assembling your Amish Harvest Casserole. Start by layering half the cooked egg noodles on the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Top with half the meat sauce, followed by half the zucchini, yellow squash, and shredded carrots. Dollop and spread half of the sour cream mixture over the veggies. Repeat one more time with the remaining layers, making sure to finish with that dreamy cheese mix on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This last stretch gives you that irresistible golden, bubbly top. Once it’s out and piping hot, let it rest for a few minutes so the layers can settle.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a pop of herbal freshness—it’s the finishing touch every Amish Harvest Casserole deserves!
How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole
Garnishes
Nothing elevates the look and taste of Amish Harvest Casserole like a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley on top. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for even more flavor. For an added crunch, try topping each serving with a spoonful of buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it shines even brighter with simple sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, some homemade applesauce, or warm dinner rolls to soak up all that delicious sauce. These classic pairings make your meal feel complete and even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, assemble and bake Amish Harvest Casserole in individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes—perfect for serving guests their own cute portion. You can also cut the casserole into neat squares and stack with a scoop of sour cream and a pinch of parsley for an appealing, upscale look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Harvest Casserole keeps beautifully. Simply cover the cooled baking dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days; the flavors only get deeper and richer with time!
Freezing
If you want to have cozy comfort food ready on your toughest days, you’ll be happy to know Amish Harvest Casserole freezes like a dream. Wrap portions tightly or seal the entire baked casserole (well cooled) in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil until hot throughout (about 20-25 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works great in short bursts—just be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and give it a stir midway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef?
Absolutely! Amish Harvest Casserole is flexible—ground turkey or even sausage both work beautifully and lend a slightly different, delicious profile. Just brown as you would the beef and proceed with the recipe as written.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
This casserole is always a hit with kids! The mild flavors, gooey cheese, and soft noodles make it approachable for even picky eaters. You can also chop the veggies smaller if that helps sneak them in for the little ones.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Amish Harvest Casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.
What if I don’t have zucchini or yellow squash?
No worries! You can swap in other mild veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even extra shredded carrots. Part of the fun with Amish Harvest Casserole is using what you have on hand.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The top will be bubbling and lightly golden, and the cheesy layer should be pulling slightly away from the edges of the dish. A quick check with a knife inserted in the center should come out piping hot.
Final Thoughts
I’m always amazed at how a humble recipe can deliver so much joy, and this Amish Harvest Casserole truly earns its spot at any table—weeknight or holiday. Give it a try and see for yourself how these farmhouse flavors win over kids and grownups alike; I just know it will become a favorite in your home too!
Print
Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Amish Harvest Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and noodles in a flavorful baked casserole. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked wide egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion, then add garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Mix sour cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Layer Casserole: In the casserole dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, vegetables, and cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked when needed.
- You can use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
- For a crispy topping, add buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
