Easy Amish Haystack Dinner (“Pile-It-On” Taco Bowls)

This Amish haystack dinner is a customizable, crowd-pleasing weeknight meal. Layered over rice, it’s fast, fun, and perfect for busy families or casual get-togethers.

Pictured above is a close-up image of an Amish "haystack" dinner with rice, ground meat, tomatoes, cheese, and corn chips.  Photo and Recipe from Amish-Heritage.org

Taco night, simplified! Amish haystacks are a family-friendly take on tacos, piled high with seasoned beef, rice, beans, cheese, and all your favorite toppings. It’s great for customizing—everyone gets to build their own “haystack”—and it’s just as fun for kids as it is for grown-ups. Ideal for busy weeknights, large gatherings, or meals when you want flavor without hassle.

Here’s how it works: cook seasoned ground beef and rice, then let everyone scoop warm rice onto their plate and top it with beef, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or whatever toppings you like. No plating fuss, no fancy tools—just deliciousness piled high.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Amish Haystack Dinner

  • Super quick to prep and serve—perfect for busy nights.

  • Entirely customizable; everyone builds their own bowl.

  • Minimal cleanup—everything served in bowls or on plates.

  • Big flavor with taco-seasoned beef, rice, and toppings.

  • Great for kids and picky eaters—choose their favorites.

  • Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or casual family meals.

Ingredients for Amish Haystacks

  • Rice, cooked per package directions (white or brown)

  • Ground beef (or turkey) seasoned with taco seasoning

  • Optional: beans (black, pinto) or corn

  • Shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions

  • Toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños

How to Make Amish Pile-It-On Taco Bowls

Step 1: Cook rice and taco-seasoned beef in separate pans.

Step 2: Arrange rice, beef, beans, and toppings in bowls or plates al a buffet.

Step 3: Let everyone assemble their own haystack, piling ingredients as desired.

Step 4: Finish with salsa, sour cream, guac, or hot sauce. Then dig in!

Popular Substitutions and Additions

  • Use ground turkey, chicken, or meatless crumbles

  • Add diced bell peppers, onions, or corn to the beef for color and nutrition

  • Include pickled jalapeños or olives for extra flavor

  • Serve with tortilla chips or soft tortillas on the side

What to Serve With Amish Haystacks

  • Fresh fruit salad or corn on the cob

  • Chips and queso or guacamole

  • Simple green salad or coleslaw

How to Store Leftover Amish Haystacks

Store beef, rice, and toppings separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat rice and beef in the microwave or stovetop and assemble fresh. Keeps best for 1–2 days when assembled.

Amish Haystack Taco Bowl FAQs

Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! Cook beef and rice ahead and reheat. Chop toppings in advance for quick assembly.

Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you add hot toppings—taco seasoning typically has mild spice.


What if I don’t want meat?
Beans, lentils, or meatless crumbles make a delicious vegetarian version.

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