Amish Harvest Casserole
If you love hearty, comforting dishes that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, then Amish Harvest Casserole is about to become your new favorite. This dish is the ultimate cozy meal—rich, savory, and packed with flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness. With layers of tender pasta, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Amish Harvest Casserole
Versatile: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and easy layering make this dish stress-free.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap the meat, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: A warm, hearty dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Amish Harvest Casserole
Here’s what makes this casserole so rich and delicious:
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, cooked to savory perfection with seasonings.
Onion & Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the beef mixture.
Pasta: Tender pasta forms the base of this comforting bake.
Tomato Sauce: A rich, tangy layer that ties everything together.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These make the casserole irresistibly creamy.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy topping.
Butter: Adds richness to the dish.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for a little extra warmth.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan, heat butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and let it simmer for a few minutes to develop flavor.
Prepare the Creamy Layer: In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Assemble the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta, followed by the beef mixture, then the creamy cheese layer. Repeat the layers, finishing with shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Let it Rest & Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving—this helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-500 (varies based on ingredients)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- With a Side Salad to add some freshness and crunch.
- Served with Garlic Bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs like parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
- Paired with Roasted Vegetables for a balanced plate.
Additional Tips
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Want extra flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Swap the pasta: Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free noodles if preferred.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a little kick.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes beautifully—just wrap it tightly before storing.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the meat for mushrooms or lentils and use a plant-based cheese substitute.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
5. Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked until al dente before layering in the casserole.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions.
7. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or in the microwave for a quicker option.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even gouda for a twist.
9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the beef mixture first, then layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
10. What’s the best way to prevent a watery casserole?
Drain the pasta well and don’t overuse sour cream or cream cheese. Letting it rest before slicing also helps.
Conclusion
Amish Harvest Casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or meal prepping for the week. With layers of rich, cheesy goodness and a hearty, satisfying texture, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!
PrintAmish Harvest Casserole
Amish Harvest Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish filled with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, egg noodles, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this easy casserole brings rustic flavors to the table with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the cooked egg noodles to the mixture and stir until evenly combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
7. If using, add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
– For extra richness, substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup.
– Add cooked sausage or bacon for additional flavor.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
– Freeze before baking for a make-ahead meal; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
