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.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Optional Variations and Add-ins
- 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)
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Amish Country Casserole, comfort food, casserole, baked noodles, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy casserole