Welcome to a comforting corner of culinary delight! If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful dish that brings warmth and nostalgia, look no further than Amish Country Casserole. This easy-to-make recipe is the perfect blend of rich flavors and homey goodness, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With layers of tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a delightful cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
The appeal of Amish Country Casserole lies not only in its fabulous taste but also in its simplicity. This dish combines pantry staples with minimal prep time, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal even on the busiest evenings. You can easily customize it to fit your dietary needs, making it versatile for everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the details and create a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Country Casserole
- Comfort Food: This casserole delivers that warm, cozy feeling you crave, making it perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night at home.
- Quick and Simple: With straightforward preparation and minimal ingredients, it’s an absolute timesaver.
- Customizable: Feel free to substitute proteins or vegetables to make it your own!
- Flavorful Layers: Each layer combines beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors that everyone will appreciate.
- Kid-Friendly: With cheesy goodness, even picky eaters will rejoice!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious Amish Country Casserole, it’s vital to prepare your kitchen and workspace for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients so they’re within easy reach. This includes ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, egg noodles, and cheddar cheese. Be sure to have a large skillet for cooking the beef mixture and a pot for boiling the noodles.
You’ll also need a 9×13-inch baking dish for layering your casserole, along with utensils for stirring and mixing. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) ensures that the casserole cooks evenly, resulting in a delightful, bubbly top. Keeping everything organized will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even cooking temperature for your casserole, making sure everything bakes perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is nearly cooked through, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. For a leaner dish, consider using lean ground beef to reduce the amount of grease, or drain the excess fat after browning.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
To create the rich sauce, add the condensed tomato soup and cream of mushroom soup to the browned beef mixture. Next, pour in the milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re adding frozen peas for extra flavor and nutrition, mix them in at this stage. For an even creamier sauce, feel free to substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the beef mixture simmers, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the uncooked egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside for later use.
Step 5: Combine and Layer
Take the cooked egg noodles and mix them into the beef and sauce mixture until everything is well combined. Next, spread half of this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. For added flavor, sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Layer the remaining beef and noodle mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheese. This layering technique allows the flavors to meld beautifully during baking.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 25 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to become golden and bubbly. Once done, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This extra step helps to set the layers and makes serving easier.
Variations
- Protein: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or even shredded chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Want to add a kick? Incorporate spices like paprika, cumin, or a handful of your favorite herbs for a more robust flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation—feel free to play around with flavors!
- Leftovers reheat beautifully; simply cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, consider broiling the casserole for a few minutes after it bakes to give the cheese an extra golden crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Amish Country Casserole with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of the cheesy goodness.
Tips
- Don’t rush the browning of the beef, as this adds depth of flavor to your dish.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred combination; sharp cheddar or gouda could also work well.
- For extra richness, mix in a dollop of sour cream into the noodle mixture before baking.
- If you’re prepping ahead, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it right before serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s going in the oven directly from the fridge.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can make it healthier by using lean ground beef or opting for turkey or chicken. Adding more vegetables and using whole-grain noodles can also boost the nutritional value.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use any cream-style soup or make a homemade version using a roux and broth mixed with cream if you prefer a fresher taste.
Conclusion
Amish Country Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience, perfect for any weekday or special dinner. The layers of flavor and comforting textures come together to create a dish that nourishes both body and soul. By following this recipe, you’ll not only serve up something delicious but also create a wonderful dining experience for family and friends. We encourage you to explore the provided variations, make it your own, and perhaps share some fond memories as you gather around the table. Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!
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Amish Country Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Amish Country Casserole is a comforting dish with layers of egg noodles, ground beef, and cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Add tomato soup and cream of mushroom soup, then stir in milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- Mix egg noodles with beef and sauce mixture, layering in a baking dish with cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered until bubbly.
Notes
Leftovers reheat well; cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 25 g