Warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, this Amish Country Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for any day of the week! With tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it’s no wonder this dish has become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or for a weekend gathering, this casserole is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
First and foremost, this Amish Country Casserole is simple and budget-friendly, using only basic ingredients that are easy to find. Additionally, it’s incredibly satisfying, combining flavors and textures that make for a hearty, well-rounded meal. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both filling and comforting, this casserole is definitely the answer!
How to Make Amish Country Casserole
Here’s how to make this easy and comforting dish, step-by-step. Follow these straightforward directions for a meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag medium egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (10.75 oz) can tomato soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, browned beef, tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir everything together until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Now, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for even cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Finally, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Amish Country Casserole
This casserole is best served warm, right out of the oven. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. Furthermore, it pairs well with roasted vegetables, making for a balanced and flavorful meal.
How to Store Amish Country Casserole
If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave in individual portions for a quick and easy meal.
Tips to Make Amish Country Casserole
To make this Amish Country Casserole as delicious and effortless as possible, here are some helpful tips to guide you:
- Perfect Noodle Texture: Be careful not to overcook the egg noodles. Cook them just until al dente (firm to the bite) since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Overcooking beforehand can make them too soft after baking.
- For a Flavor Boost: Season the ground beef well while browning it. Adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef as it cooks can really elevate the flavor. Just make sure to drain any excess grease so the casserole doesn’t become too oily.
- Choose the Right Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is recommended, as it allows for even heating and ensures that the casserole bakes evenly. If you use a smaller or deeper dish, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Covering with Foil: Covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes keeps the casserole moist and helps all the flavors meld together. Remove the foil toward the end of baking to allow the top to brown slightly, giving a bit of added texture.
- Make It Extra Creamy: If you like a creamier casserole, add an extra ½ cup of milk or a small dollop of sour cream to the mixture before baking. This will create a slightly richer and smoother sauce.
- Topping Ideas: For a crunchy, cheesy topping, sprinkle shredded cheese and a handful of crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This adds a delicious layer of texture to the casserole.
- Adding Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, peas, or green beans. Frozen vegetables work well and don’t require additional cooking time—just fold them in with the other ingredients before baking.
- Make It Ahead: To save time on busy days, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while preheating the oven. This will help it bake evenly and prevent cold spots.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste as you go, especially with salt and pepper. The cream of mushroom and tomato soups are often well-seasoned already, so a light hand with the salt may be all you need. Add more after baking if desired.
Variation
To keep things interesting, here are a few delicious variations to try with the classic Amish Country Casserole:
- Cheesy Amish Country Casserole: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella with the noodle mixture before baking, or sprinkle cheese on top halfway through baking for a golden, bubbly finish. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack can also add an extra layer of flavor.
- Amish Country Casserole with Veggies: Add 1–2 cups of vegetables for added nutrition and color. Chopped bell peppers, peas, carrots, green beans, or corn work beautifully in this dish. If using frozen vegetables, no need to thaw; just mix them in with the other ingredients before baking.
- Southwestern Twist: Swap the tomato soup for a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) and add a teaspoon of chili powder or taco seasoning to the beef for a Southwestern-inspired casserole. Top with shredded pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Turkey or Chicken Version: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter alternative. This version pairs well with a bit of garlic powder and paprika added to the seasoning.
- Creamier Amish Casserole: For an ultra-creamy version, replace half the milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will add a slight tangy richness that balances well with the tomato soup and ground beef.
- Bacon and Mushroom: For a savory twist, add cooked, crumbled bacon and a handful of sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms with the ground beef to enhance the flavor, and sprinkle some crispy bacon on top for added texture.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
A: Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze Amish Country Casserole?
A: Absolutely. Assemble, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and add a few extra minutes if necessary.
Q3: Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
A: Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well. You can also make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding extra veggies or plant-based protein.
Q4: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: Try cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cheddar cheese soup for different flavors. Each will add a unique twist.
Q5: How can I make the casserole spicier?
A: Add a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), chili powder, or cayenne pepper. Pepper jack cheese also adds heat if melted on top.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. Or, use the microwave, stirring halfway for even heating.
Q7: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, though egg noodles work best, rotini, penne, or macaroni also work. Adjust cooking time based on pasta thickness.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Bell peppers, peas, green beans, carrots, or corn can all be mixed in. Frozen veggies don’t need pre-cooking—just fold them in.
Q9: What’s the ideal baking dish size?
A: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal for even cooking and the right portion size. Smaller or deeper dishes may require longer bake times.
Q10: How can I make the casserole creamier?
A: Add an extra ½ cup of milk or a dollop of sour cream to the mixture. This will make the sauce smoother and richer.
Q11: Should I cover the casserole while baking?
A: Yes, cover it with foil for the first 30 minutes to keep it moist. Uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the top.
Q12: Can I add cheese to the recipe?
A: Of course! Mix in shredded cheese with the noodles, or sprinkle on top before baking for a cheesy finish.
Q13: Is this casserole gluten-free?
A: As written, it’s not. Substitute with gluten-free noodles and check that soups are gluten-free to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
Q14: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe serves approximately 6–8 people, depending on portion size. Double it for larger groups or leftovers.
Q15: Can I substitute the milk with non-dairy milk?
A: Yes, unsweetened almond or oat milk works well. They add creaminess without altering the flavor.
Q16: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
A: Make sure to cover it while baking, and avoid overcooking the noodles beforehand. Adding extra milk can help maintain moisture.
Q17: Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
A: Yes, adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers during the last 10 minutes of baking adds a nice crunch.
Q18: How long can leftovers be stored?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q19: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato soup?
A: You can substitute with fresh tomatoes, but you may need to add more seasoning to match the flavor of the tomato soup.
Q20: Can I use different spices?
A: Feel free to experiment! Adding garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika can enhance the flavors.
