Name: Amish Country Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces dried egg noodles; 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 ounces) canned tomatoes; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup; 1/4 cup water or milk (to thin soup); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup mushrooms or lentils (for vegetarian option); Diced jalapeños or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy kick); 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (to blend with cheddar); Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice (to replace egg noodles for low-carb version); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (for herb infusion)

Discover comfort food at its best with Amish Country Casserole, a hearty and simple dish your family will love. This satisfying casserole blends wholesome ingredients with rich flavors to create a cozy meal perfect for any day of the week. From its golden, cheesy topping to the tender layers inside, Amish Country Casserole brings warmth and home-cooked goodness straight to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and filling: Packed with savory ingredients that satisfy hunger and warm the soul.
Simple preparation: Uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a go-to dinner option.
Versatile: Perfect for weeknights or special gatherings, adaptable to preferences.
Comfort in a dish: Brings nostalgic flavors that remind you of homemade traditions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Amish Country Casserole plays a vital role, whether it adds flavor, texture, or color to this classic comfort dish. These simple staples come together effortlessly to create that just-baked warmth everyone craves.

Dried egg noodles: Provides a tender, hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Ground beef or turkey: Adds rich protein and a savory depth to the casserole.
Onions and garlic: Bring aromatic warmth and enhance the seasoning.
Canned tomatoes: Offer tangy sweetness and a vibrant color contrast.
Cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy binder for moist, luscious layers.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to golden perfection, topping the casserole with gooey goodness.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika): Simple touches balance and elevate the flavor profile.

Variations for Amish Country Casserole

Feel free to customize Amish Country Casserole to suit your tastes or dietary needs. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, letting you create your perfect version without extra fuss.

Vegetarian style: Swap meat for mushrooms or lentils to keep it hearty without animal protein.
Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat boost.
Cheese blend: Mix mozzarella or Monterey Jack with cheddar for a creamy, melty twist.
Low-carb version: Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
Herb infusion: Include fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy, fragrant note.

Amish Country Casserole Cozy Comfort Food Recipe

How to Make Amish Country Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the noodles

Boil the dried egg noodles in salted water until just tender, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the meat mixture

In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent, add ground beef (or turkey), and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in canned tomatoes and seasonings.

Step 3: Mix the binder

Combine the cream of mushroom soup with a bit of water or milk until smooth, then mix into the meat and tomato mixture for a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked noodles followed by the meat mixture. Repeat layers if desired, finishing with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole heats through.

Pro Tips for Making Amish Country Casserole

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic make a big difference in flavor depth.
Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles hold their shape better when baked.
Drain meat well: Removing excess fat keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
Layer thoughtfully: Even layering ensures every bite has balanced flavors and textures.
Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set.

How to Serve Amish Country Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness that brightens every serving.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables pair beautifully, adding a light contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personal touch or bring the whole casserole to the table in a rustic baking dish to emphasize its homey, shareable vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Amish Country Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the flavors stay fresh and delicious.

Freezing

Freeze the casserole before baking by wrapping the dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap; it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal without losing that comforting texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, penne, rotini, or even macaroni work well and add a fun twist to the texture.

Is Amish Country Casserole gluten-free?

This recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free due to the noodles and soup, but you can substitute gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free cream soup to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based protein to keep it filling and delicious.

How long does it take to make Amish Country Casserole?

Preparation usually takes about 15 minutes, with baking time around 25-30 minutes, making it ideal for a 45-minute meal.

What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese topping?

Using sharp cheddar and broiling for the last 2-3 minutes gives a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds a perfect finishing touch.

Final Thoughts

Amish Country Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings the whole family together. Its easy preparation and comforting flavors make it a recipe worth keeping in your rotation. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your home!

Amish Country Casserole

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Contains meat and dairy; vegetarian option available

Print Recipe

Description

Amish Country Casserole is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make baked dish featuring layers of tender egg noodles, savory ground meat, aromatic onions and garlic, tangy tomatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and a golden melted cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this casserole brings nostalgic home-cooked flavors and warmth to your table.

Instructions

Prepare the noodles: Boil the dried egg noodles in salted water until just tender (about 5-7 minutes), then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Cook the meat mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
Mix the binder: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with water or milk, stirring until smooth. Pour this mixture into the meat and tomato skillet mixture and stir well to create a creamy consistency.
Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Layer half of the cooked noodles evenly in the dish, then spread half of the meat mixture over the noodles. Repeat layers if desired, finishing with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden. Optional: For a crispy cheese topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic enhance the flavor depth significantly.
Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles hold their shape better when baked and avoid mushiness.
Drain meat well: Removing excess fat keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
Layer thoughtfully: Distribute noodles and meat mixture evenly for balanced flavors and texture in every bite.
Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to let it set, making it easier to serve.