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There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade casserole, especially one that has stood the test of time. Amish Country Casserole is a dish that embodies simplicity, heartiness, and home-cooked goodness. Rooted in Amish tradition, this dish reflects their philosophy of wholesome, nourishing meals made with everyday ingredients.
The Amish community is known for their resourceful cooking, using pantry staples to create filling meals for large families. This casserole follows that tradition, blending tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, a creamy tomato-based sauce, and a melty cheese topping to create a warm and satisfying dish. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy family lunch, potlucks, or meal prep—easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re new to Amish cuisine or just looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into this timeless dish!
Why You’ll Love This Amish Country Casserole
There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that feels like home, and this Amish Country Casserole delivers that kind of warmth. It’s rich, hearty, and filled with familiar flavors that bring back memories of family meals and cozy gatherings. If you need a meal that’s simple to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for lunch, this casserole is an excellent choice.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Beginner-Friendly & Easy to Make – Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is straightforward and hassle-free.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Uses common pantry staples, making it an affordable and convenient meal.
- Feeds a Crowd – Perfect for family lunches, potlucks, or meal prep—it makes plenty and reheats beautifully.
- Creamy, Savory, & Full of Flavor – A delicious combination of tender noodles, seasoned beef, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and gooey melted cheese.
- Easily Customizable – Can be adjusted for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets without losing its comforting taste.
Key Ingredients & Simple Substitutions
One of the best things about this casserole is how flexible it is. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to make adjustments, here are some great alternatives:
- Egg Noodles – These provide a soft, classic texture, but penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work just as well.
- Ground Beef – The traditional protein, but ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be used for a different taste.
- Tomato Soup & Cream of Mushroom Soup – These create the creamy, savory sauce. For a homemade alternative, use tomato puree with a little heavy cream or a simple béchamel sauce.
- Cheese – Cheddar is a go-to, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or smoked Gouda can add different flavors.
- Seasonings – Onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika bring depth, but a splash of Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, or dried thyme can take it up a notch.
How to Make Amish Country Casserole (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook until just al dente (6-8 minutes, depending on the brand).
- Drain and briefly rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from getting too soft. Set aside.
3. Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- For added flavor, stir in ½ cup of finely chopped onions and 2 minced garlic cloves while the beef browns.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
4. Prepare the Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in 1 can of condensed tomato soup, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of milk.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
5. Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything until the noodles are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle ½ cup of bread crumbs for extra texture.
7. Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish on the center rack of the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- For a crispier topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Let It Rest & Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow everything to set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper, then serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use a deep baking dish to prevent the sauce from bubbling over.
- Drain the beef well to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Undercook the pasta slightly (al dente) to ensure it doesn’t turn mushy when baked.
- Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes if you want a softer, creamier casserole, then uncover to let the cheese brown.
- Add Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for a little extra depth of flavor.
Ways to Make It Your Own
This dish is already delicious, but here are a few ways to personalize it:
- Want a spicy kick? Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian version? Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of bell peppers and zucchini.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free canned soups.
- Dairy-free? Replace the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use dairy-free cheese.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Amish Country Casserole
While this dish is hearty enough to stand alone, adding a side can round out the meal:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- A side of pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast
Final Thoughts
This Amish Country Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family lunch, meal prepping for the week, or making something special for a potluck, this dish is sure to please.
The best part? It’s simple to customize, so you can easily tweak it based on what’s in your pantry. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or put your own twist on it, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite.
Try it today and enjoy a meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table!
Amish Country Casserole: The One Dish You Need for a Cozy Lunch
Description
This Amish Country Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy, flavorful tomato sauce baked together with a cheesy, golden topping. It's an easy, budget-friendly dish that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weekdays, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family, this casserole is sure to be a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This step helps prevent sticking and makes serving and cleanup effortless.
-
Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add the egg noodles, cooking them until just al dente (typically 6-8 minutes—check the package for specific instructions).
- Once the noodles are ready, drain them and quickly rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from turning mushy in the oven. Set them aside.
-
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- For extra depth of flavor, stir in ½ cup of finely chopped onions and 2 cloves of minced garlic while the beef browns.
- Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming overly oily.
-
Prepare the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in one can of condensed tomato soup, one can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of milk.
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop into a smooth, creamy consistency.
-
Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture.
- Gently stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
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Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a gooey, melty finish.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, sprinkle ½ cup of bread crumbs on top for added texture.
-
Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- If you prefer a crispier, golden-brown topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
-
Let It Rest & Serve
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
- For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh parsley or an extra dash of black pepper over the top.
- Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish!
Note
- For a richer, creamier texture: Substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for the milk.
- Enhance the flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a more complex taste.
- Boost the veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Want a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper will add a nice kick.
- Prevent overcooked pasta: Since the noodles will continue cooking in the oven, keep them slightly firm (al dente) when boiling.
- Adjust the texture to your liking: If you prefer a softer, creamier casserole, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove it to allow the cheese to brown.
- Try different cheeses: While cheddar is a go-to, you can experiment with mozzarella for stretch, Colby Jack for mildness, or smoked Gouda for a unique twist.
- Make it ahead: If you're short on time, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve.
