If you are craving a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly with pure comfort, the Amish Country Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This traditional Midwestern casserole brings together the savory goodness of ground beef, the soft embrace of egg noodles, and the nostalgic creaminess of tomato and mushroom soups, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a simple, hearty meal that tastes like home and invites everyone to the dinner table for seconds and smiles. Whether you’re revisiting a family favorite or discovering it for the first time, this Amish Country Casserole Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures — from the savory depth of the ground beef to the creamy sauce and the satisfying egg noodles that bind everything beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds rich flavor and satisfying substance.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation when cooked with the beef.
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles: Tender, slightly chewy noodles that soak up the creamy sauce for perfect texture.
- 1 can tomato soup: Brings tangy, comforting tomato flavor that balances the richness.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Adds velvety creaminess and an umami boost to the casserole.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens and loosens the soups to create a luscious sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar: Melts to a golden, gooey topping that crowns the casserole with cheesy goodness.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Amish Country Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s ready and hot for baking the casserole to bubbly, golden perfection as soon as your ingredients are combined and in the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. The onions should become translucent and fragrant, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the meat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Sauces and Noodles
To the cooked beef and onion, gently stir in the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that will soak into the noodles and meat. Fold in the cooked egg noodles carefully, ensuring everything is evenly coated. This mixture will be the hearty filling for your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the casserole mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously top with shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt and brown beautifully while baking. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping turns golden and delicious.
How to Serve Amish Country Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten and freshen up each bite, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top after baking. Their fresh, herbal notes contrast wonderfully with the rich, creamy casserole. For a touch of tanginess, a dollop of sour cream on the side pairs nicely, especially for those who enjoy a bit of zest with their comfort food.
Side Dishes
This Amish Country Casserole Recipe shines best when paired with simple, vibrant sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness, while steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli add a fresh crunch. For a truly traditional touch, buttery dinner rolls or warm cornbread complete the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress this casserole up for company, consider baking it in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for charming personal servings. Alternatively, layer cooked vegetables like peas or corn into the mixture before baking to add color and texture. For added flavor, sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top during the last few minutes of baking for a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Country Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When stored properly, the flavors deepen, making each bite even more comforting the next day. Just cover it well to keep the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a great option for busy nights or meal prep. After baking and cooling, portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover portions in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil to prevent drying out, heating for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, bake covered at the same temperature for about 45-50 minutes. A quick microwave reheating option works too, just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and keeps the casserole just as flavorful. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance its milder taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes or a combination of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth or cream soups without meat to keep it vegetarian friendly.
What can I add to make the casserole more colorful?
Adding peas, corn, or diced bell peppers to the mix brightens up the casserole visually and adds delightful texture. Toss them in with the egg noodles before baking for best results.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can, but keep in mind the soup adds creaminess and seasoning that fresh mushrooms alone won’t provide. If using fresh mushrooms, consider making a quick mushroom sauce or adding a bit of cream or sour cream to maintain the desired texture.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef and avoid overcooking the noodles before adding them. Using soups directly from the can provides the right thickness, so avoid thinning them out too much with extra milk.
Final Thoughts
The Amish Country Casserole Recipe is a timeless, comforting dish that never fails to bring warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. Its simplicity makes it approachable for cooks of all levels, yet the flavors are rich and nostalgic enough to delight every palate. If you’re looking for a homey casserole that feels like a warm hug, don’t hesitate to try this recipe—your family will thank you for it!
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Amish Country Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A traditional Midwestern comfort dish featuring ground beef, egg noodles, tomato soup, and a creamy sauce — simple, hearty, and nostalgic, perfect for a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 can (10.75 oz) tomato soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture, tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cooked egg noodles. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, creamy, bubbly, and the cheese has melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for convenience on busy nights.
- For added texture and nutrition, consider mixing in peas or corn before baking.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Amish Country
