🍂 Slow Cooker Amish Harvest Casserole — A Hearty Autumn Classic
There’s something special about recipes that come from tradition. This Slow Cooker Amish Harvest Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that pays homage to the simple, nourishing meals found in Amish country. With a blend of fresh vegetables, seasoned ground beef, and creamy mushroom sauce, this casserole is a celebration of the fall harvest — and a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Rooted in the heart of Amish cooking, this casserole uses humble, wholesome ingredients that simmer together into something more than the sum of their parts. Hearty, earthy, and perfectly suited to cool evenings, it’s a dish the whole family will request again and again.
🍁 Why You’ll Love This Amish Harvest Casserole
- 🕰️ Slow cooker convenience — set it and forget it
- 🥕 Loaded with harvest vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans
- 🧀 Topped with melty cheddar cheese for a rich finish
- 🌾 Deeply satisfying with just one pot to clean
- 🍽️ Great for leftovers, meal prep, or potlucks
👨🍳 Expert Insight: Why This Dish Works
Chef James Holloway, a culinary educator with a focus on slow cooking and rustic American recipes, explains:
“This casserole is all about balance — protein, vegetables, herbs, and a creamy binder. Letting it slow cook allows all the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften without losing their shape. It’s not fancy — it’s just good food done right.”
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
📊 Nutrition & Functional Benefits
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories | Functional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (85% lean) | 1 lb | 960 kcal | Rich in protein and iron |
| Potatoes | 1 cup | 130 kcal | Great source of potassium and fiber |
| Carrots | 1 cup | 50 kcal | Beta-carotene and antioxidants |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 10.5 oz | 300 kcal | Creamy texture and savory flavor base |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup | 400 kcal | Calcium and melted richness |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Place the cooked meat mixture into your slow cooker. Add the carrots, potatoes, corn, and green beans.
Step 4: Add Creamy Binder and Seasonings
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix well to evenly coat the vegetables and meat.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Add Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt fully into the casserole.
🥖 What to Serve With Amish Harvest Casserole
- Green Salad: Add a crisp, fresh contrast to this hearty dish
- Steamed green beans or broccoli: Keeps the meal veggie-forward
- Crusty bread or biscuits: Perfect for soaking up juices and cheese
- Fruit salad: Offers a light and refreshing sweet balance
🆚 Amish Harvest Casserole vs Classic Casseroles
- Ingredients: Amish casseroles favor simple, whole foods from the land
- Texture: More rustic and chunky compared to creamy, layered casseroles
- Prep Time: Faster — no sauces or multiple steps required
- Flavor: Balanced seasoning and rich, earthy vegetables shine through
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Don’t exceed the max fill line
- Skipping the meat drainage: Leads to greasy texture
- Adding cheese too early: It may break or get rubbery
- Under-seasoning: Taste the base mix before slow cooking and adjust if needed
💬 10 FAQs About Amish Harvest Casserole
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well and lightens the dish.
2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely. Use 3x the amount of fresh herbs and add them near the end for best flavor.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add white beans or lentils for protein and texture.
4. Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.
5. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes — just thaw and drain them first so the dish doesn’t get watery.
6. What type of potato works best?
Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking.
7. Can I add rice or pasta?
Not recommended in the slow cooker — cook separately and serve on the side.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave or oven.
9. Can I freeze it?
Yes, but the texture of potatoes may change slightly. Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
10. What size slow cooker is best?
A 6-quart model works perfectly for this recipe.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet for browning meat
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Slow cooker (6 qt or larger)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
⏱️ Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
- Yield: Serves 6–8
🏡 Final Thoughts: A Casserole That Feels Like Home
This Slow Cooker Amish Harvest Casserole is everything you want in a family meal — warm, filling, nostalgic, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it on a brisk autumn night or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a recipe that delivers comfort with every bite.
Looking for more rustic, slow cooker favorites? Try our Old-Fashioned Chicken and Rice Bake or Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew — both perfect for cold weather and big appetites.