Amish Country Casserole Recipe
There is something wonderfully cozy about the Amish Country Casserole Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This dish brings together simple, wholesome ingredients like ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, and tender noodles, all baked to golden perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top. Its hearty, flavorful nature combined with an easy preparation method means you’ll have a satisfying and inviting meal on the table without any hassle. Trust me, this casserole has the warm, homey vibes you’ve been craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Amish Country Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role, from adding savory depth to providing creamy richness and delightful texture. These accessible, everyday items come together perfectly to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes the casserole filling and delicious.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant kick that elevates the savory flavors.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Provides creamy, velvety texture that binds all ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Lightens the soup mixture and keeps the casserole moist.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tangy richness and a bit of a silky finish.
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles: The hearty carb component that soaks up all those lovely flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Half goes inside for creamy goodness, the rest tops the casserole for that irresistible golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds a subtle complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little heat that balances the creamy and cheesy elements.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a gentle smoky note.
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the dish: Prevents sticking and adds a touch of buttery flavor around the edges.
How to Make Amish Country Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Cook the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and has a touch of extra flavor around the edges. Next, heat a large skillet on medium and cook the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens, then drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant; this simple step fills your kitchen with such an inviting aroma.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk these ingredients together until you get a smooth, rich sauce that’s loaded with flavor. This creamy mixture is key to tying the whole casserole together and making it irresistibly moist.
Step 3: Combine Noodles, Cheese, and Beef
To your sauce, stir in the uncooked egg noodles and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Incorporate the cooked beef and onion mixture and mix everything well, making sure every noodle and bit of beef is coated with that luscious creamy sauce. This step ensures that your casserole will be beautifully blended with bursts of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Spread your mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create that beautiful golden crust. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the noodles reach perfect tenderness. Once done, let it rest for five minutes—this short wait helps all the flavors settle and makes serving neater.
How to Serve Amish Country Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While this casserole is flavorful on its own, garnishing with some freshly chopped parsley or green onions really brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh bite. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add an exciting little surprise for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This cheesy, savory casserole pairs beautifully with simple green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance out the richness. For bread lovers, warm crusty rolls are perfect to scoop up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress guests or just mix things up, try serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. You can layer in some sautéed mushrooms or sweet corn for extra texture and a pop of color. A dusting of smoked paprika on top also adds a lovely, rustic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover your leftover Amish Country Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days while retaining its creamy, comforting texture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Prepare the dish as instructed but pause before baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding some extra time until it’s fully heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftover portions in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. You’ll find it just as comforting the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives. Just note that the flavor will be milder, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Do I need to cook the noodles before mixing them in?
No, the uncooked egg noodles bake right in the casserole and absorb flavors while softening in the creamy sauce, which leads to that perfect tender but not mushy texture.
Can I add vegetables to the Amish Country Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Peas, corn, or mushrooms are great additions that complement the flavors and add color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
You can substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta varieties and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy this hearty meal without gluten concerns.
How long does it take to prepare and cook the casserole?
The recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and around 50 minutes of bake time, making the total time just over an hour from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
The Amish Country Casserole Recipe is truly one of those beloved dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable, comforting, and versatile enough to become a family favorite. If you’re searching for an easy-to-make, hearty meal that bursts with flavor, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Amish Country Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Amish Country Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner and can be customized with additional vegetables like peas or corn.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Wet Ingredients and Sauces
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cheese and Butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Mix Sauce and Noodles: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well to coat.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the noodle and sauce bowl. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the noodles to cook and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese Topping: Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then return the dish to the oven uncovered.
- Bake Uncovered: Continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the noodles are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for five minutes to set before serving. This resting period helps the casserole firm up for easier serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be customized by adding vegetables such as peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild cheddar will add a richer, more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Ensure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
