Name: Delicious Hearty Amish Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 12 oz rotini pasta; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley (optional for garnish)

When it comes to heartwarming comfort food, the Hearty Amish Casserole reigns supreme. This delicious dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy textures, and gooey cheese, all paired with tender rotini pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, it’s no surprise many consider this casserole a staple in their kitchen. Whether you’re searching for easy recipes, food ideas, or a fantastic meal prep option, this Hearty Amish Casserole fits the bill perfectly.

One of the greatest appeals of the Hearty Amish Casserole is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences. Swap out the ground beef for turkey or add in your favorite vegetables to create a dish that everyone will love. Plus, the use of pantry staples means you can often create this comforting bake without needing to make a special trip to the grocery store. Warming, flavorful, and undeniably satisfying, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Amish Casserole

Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole is a hug in a dish, thanks to its creamy layers and savory ingredients.
Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready to go.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this flavor-packed dish.
Versatile Recipe: Easily customize with different proteins or vegetables according to your preference.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for easy dinners throughout the week.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the delicious journey of making Hearty Amish Casserole, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and collect the necessary tools. Ensure your workspace is tidy and that you have all ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

First, gather your cookware and tools: a large pot for boiling the pasta, a skillet for browning the beef, a stirring spoon for mixing the ingredients, a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the casserole, and aluminum foil to cover the dish while it bakes. Make sure to have measuring cups and a can opener ready as well.

Prepare your countertop by cleaning and organizing the ingredients. Other helpful kitchen tools include a colander for draining the pasta and a sharp knife for dicing your onion and garlic. With everything prepped, you’ll move seamlessly through the cooking process, ensuring a successful casserole that not only looks beautiful but tastes incredible too.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
12 oz rotini pasta
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Properly preheating the oven ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden cheese topping.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Remember, slightly undercooking the pasta is ideal, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

While your pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook thoroughly. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and ensure it browns nicely. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef, stirring until the onion becomes translucent. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. The aroma will be fantastic!

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Now, it’s time to create the flavorful sauce. Lower the heat and add the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream into the skillet. Stir everything to combine and allow it to simmer for about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Mix Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure all pasta is coated in that rich, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the noodle and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly for an even bake.

Step 8: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a lovely cheesy crust once baked.

Step 9: Bake

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. After that time, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh pop of flavor and color.

Variations

Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetables: Add in cooked vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Spices: Incorporate spices such as smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick.

Cooking Notes

Always slightly undercook your pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
You can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Just cover it and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Tips

To save time, cook your pasta while browning the beef.
Feel free to swap cheeses; Monterey Jack is a great alternative to cheddar.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 720mg

FAQs

Can I freeze Hearty Amish Casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to bake.

What can I serve with the casserole?

This dish pairs excellently with a fresh side salad or garlic bread, allowing you to balance the richness of the casserole.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, making it a great option for meal prep or easy lunches.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

While rotini is ideal for holding the sauce, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand – penne or fusilli work well too.

Conclusion

The Hearty Amish Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone looking for comforting and satisfying meals. Its delightful layers of flavor, combined with the simplicity of preparation, make it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. We encourage you to customize it to your liking and share it with your family and friends. Once you’ve tried this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts or variations!