š Ingredients Youāll Need
The Amish Harvest Casserole uses humble, readily available ingredients that come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
For the Casserole Base:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best), peeled and chopped
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (or fresh if in season)
- 2 cups cooked rice or egg noodles (optional, for extra heartiness)
For the Creamy Mixture:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
š„£ Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes (so they cook evenly). Peel and chop the apples ā the balance between their natural sweetness and the savory sausage creates the perfect autumn blend.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until itās browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.
Add in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3ā4 minutes.
Next, stir in the sweet potatoes and corn. Cook for another 5 minutes, just to start softening the sweet potatoes slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Add the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture to the bowl, then fold in the chopped apples and cooked rice or noodles (if using). Gently mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle this crumbly topping over the cheese layer. This creates a golden, buttery crust that adds both flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35ā40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil halfway through baking.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5ā10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
š Serving Suggestions
The Amish Harvest Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A simple green salad with apple cider vinaigrette.
- Freshly baked cornbread or dinner rolls.
- A side of cranberry relish for a sweet-tart contrast.
Serve it warm, and youāll instantly be wrapped in the cozy flavors of fall.
š¾ Why Youāll Love It
- Authentic Comfort: Rooted in Amish tradition, itās made with love and simple farm-fresh ingredients.
- Seasonal Warmth: Combines the sweetness of apples and earthy notes of sweet potatoes for the perfect autumn taste.
- Versatile: Easily customizable ā swap sausage for ground turkey, or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding beans or mushrooms.
š§” Final Thoughts
The Amish Harvest Casserole is more than just a recipe ā itās a tribute to the simplicity and richness of traditional cooking. Every bite evokes the warmth of a countryside kitchen, the scent of baked apples, and the comfort of family gathered around the table.
Whether youāre preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a harvest potluck, or a Thanksgiving side dish, this casserole promises to bring smiles, warmth, and a true taste of autumn to your home.
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