Amish Country Casserole

Amish Country Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With layers of savory ground beef, creamy soups, tender egg noodles, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor. It’s a great way to turn simple ingredients into a filling, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups cooked egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking until the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the beef mixture with:
   • Cream of mushroom soup
   • Cream of chicken soup
   • Sour cream
   • Salt
   • Pepper
   • Garlic powder
4. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the beef mixture is well-coated with the creamy ingredients.
5. Stir in the cooked egg noodles and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the noodles are evenly distributed and the cheese is well incorporated.
6. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

1. Add Vegetables: You can add frozen peas, corn, or green beans to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some chopped green chilies to give the casserole a spicy kick.
3. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
4. Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar cheese for other types like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
5. Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil to the casserole for added freshness and depth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Amish Country Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake as directed when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Amish Country Casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta? While egg noodles work best for this casserole, you can substitute with other types of pasta, such as rotini or penne, if desired.
4. Can I use a different kind of soup? You can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with other varieties, such as cream of celery or a cheese-based soup for a richer flavor.
5. Can I add more cheese? Yes, you can increase the amount of shredded cheese if you like it extra cheesy. You can also sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly topping.
6. How can I make the casserole creamier? For a creamier texture, add a bit more sour cream or even a bit of heavy cream to the mixture before baking.
7. Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the ground beef and substitute it with a vegetarian protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or a vegetable medley.
8. What can I serve with this casserole? Serve this casserole with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
9. Can I use low-fat ingredients? Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free versions of sour cream, soups, and cheese to make a lighter version of this casserole.
10. Can I add spices to make it more flavorful? Absolutely! You can add paprika, Italian seasoning, or onion powder to elevate the flavor of the casserole.

Conclusion

Amish Country Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy nights or when you’re feeding a crowd. With its hearty combination of ground beef, creamy soups, egg noodles, and melted cheddar, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Easy to make and customize, this casserole is a great addition to your recipe collection.