Amish Country Casserole

Amish Country Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the best of homestyle cooking. This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser with its layers of tender ground beef, creamy noodles, and rich cheese. Inspired by the simple, wholesome flavors of Amish cooking, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or to serve at your next gathering. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a filling and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love Amish Country Casserole

Amish Country Casserole is more than just a filling meal—it’s a comforting dish that everyone will want to come back for. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Hearty and Filling

With layers of ground beef, creamy noodles, and plenty of cheese, this casserole is a hearty dish that satisfies even the hungriest appetites. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that sticks with you.

Simple Ingredients

Using just a handful of pantry staples, you can make a delicious meal that’s both budget-friendly and easy to prepare. This dish keeps it simple but delivers on flavor.

Versatile

The great thing about Amish Country Casserole is its versatility. You can switch up the ground beef for ground turkey or add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to suit your taste. It’s a recipe that can be customized based on what you have on hand.

Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love this casserole. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and comforting—perfect for picky eaters and families with diverse tastes.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This casserole is great for meal prepping or making ahead. You can prepare it the day before and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve, making it an ideal option for busy days.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Amish Country Casserole:

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the base of the casserole, providing that savory, meaty flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are the perfect vehicle for this casserole, soaking up the creamy sauce while keeping a soft yet sturdy texture. They’re easy to cook and ideal for casseroles.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup gives this casserole its creamy consistency and rich flavor. It’s an essential ingredient for binding everything together.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a touch of tang and creaminess to the dish, balancing the richness of the cheese and beef.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, melty element to the casserole, enhancing the overall flavor with its creamy texture.

Onion Powder

Onion powder adds depth to the flavor without the texture of fresh onions, making it a great seasoning option.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder complements the beef and gives the casserole an aromatic, savory flavor that makes it irresistible.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are key for seasoning the casserole and bringing out the full flavor of the ingredients.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make this hearty Amish Country Casserole? Follow these easy steps:

1. Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then season the beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.

3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, boiled noodles, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the casserole mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly.

5. Bake the Casserole

Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it as a hearty main dish with a side of vegetables or a simple salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 20g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 700mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Amish Country Casserole

With a Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy casserole. The fresh crunch of the salad contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole.

Steamed Vegetables

Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans to add some color and freshness to your meal.

Garlic Bread

If you’re looking for an extra indulgence, serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread. The crispy bread will complement the creamy, cheesy casserole perfectly.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes.
• Customizations: Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms to the casserole for added texture and flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just bake it, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni.

Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for a meat substitute or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Swiss, or a cheese blend of your choice.

Q4: Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
A4: Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it. When ready to bake, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q5: Can I use low-fat or fat-free ingredients?
A5: Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free sour cream, cheese, and cream of mushroom soup if you want to lighten the dish.

Q6: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
A6: Yes, you can layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Q7: Can I add a crunchy topping?
A7: Yes, you can sprinkle crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even French fried onions on top of the casserole before baking for a crunchy topping.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q9: Can I use homemade cream of mushroom soup?
A9: Yes, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup if you prefer. Just make sure it’s creamy and thick enough to bind the casserole.

Q10: Can I reduce the salt in this recipe?
A10: Yes, feel free to adjust the salt to your liking. You can also use low-sodium versions of the soup and other ingredients.

Conclusion

Amish Country Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that will quickly become a family favorite. With its savory ground beef, creamy noodles, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy your hunger and warm your heart. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to be a hit every time. Enjoy the rich, delicious flavors in each bite!

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