Description
Rich, comforting Amish Harvest Casserole brings hearty midwestern flavors to your dinner table with layers of potatoes, vegetables, and creamy cheese. Families will savor this nostalgic dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking from rural Pennsylvania kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, using a spatula to break it into small pieces and drain any excess fat.
- Introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery to the skillet, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream, then season with salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Gently simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Fold cooked egg noodles into the savory mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the casserole.
- Carefully transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Optional: Scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese for an additional crispy texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that works perfectly for health-conscious eaters.
- Consider adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more colorful, vibrant layers in the casserole.
- Gluten-free variation works best by using gluten-free egg noodles and ensuring cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free certified.
- Reduce sodium content by choosing low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and controlling salt quantity during cooking process.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg