Hearty Amish Country Casserole Recipe

Hearty Home-Style Amish Country Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort food finds its ultimate expression in this hearty amish country casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable dish passed down through rural kitchens.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a rich, creamy masterpiece that speaks to pure Midwestern tradition.

Layers of tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese come together in a symphony of flavors.

The casserole captures the essence of farmhouse cooking with its straightforward yet deeply satisfying approach.

Each bite tells a story of home, love, and nostalgia for classic American comfort food.

Dive into this timeless recipe and experience the magic of a truly memorable meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need For Amish Country Casserole

For Noodle Base:
  • Egg Noodles: Provides hearty foundation, choose wide and curly varieties for maximum sauce absorption and textural interest.
For Protein and Flavor Builders:
  • Ground Beef, Onion: Classic combo delivering rich meaty depth, select lean beef for less greasiness and fresh onions with firm, glossy skin.
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Warm spice blend enhancing meat's natural savoriness, opt for freshly ground pepper for intense aroma.
For Creamy Binding Components:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates luxurious silky texture, select low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
  • Milk: Softens soup's intensity and adds gentle creaminess, whole milk recommended for richer consistency.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp tangy notes and melty goodness, sharp varieties provide more pronounced flavor.
For Crispy Topping:
  • Breadcrumbs or Crackers: Adds delightful crunch and golden exterior, panko breadcrumbs work exceptionally well.
  • Butter: Helps topping brown beautifully and contributes rich flavor, use unsalted for precise seasoning.

Cooking Gear For Amish Country Casserole

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling noodles with enough space and depth.
  • Colander: Perfect for draining cooked noodles quickly and efficiently.
  • Large skillet: Necessary for browning ground beef and cooking onions evenly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauce ingredients and mixing casserole components.
  • Whisk: Great for blending soups and milk smoothly without lumps.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Key for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
  • Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Steps To Prepare Amish Country Casserole

  • Noodle Preparation

Boil water in a large pot and cook noodles until they reach perfect tenderness. Let them rest while preparing other components.

  • Meat Foundation

Brown ground beef in a skillet, allowing onions to soften and release their rich flavors. Infuse the meat with a blend of warming spices, creating a robust base for the dish.

  • Creamy Blend

Whisk together creamy soups and milk until silky smooth. Gently fold in cooked noodles, seasoned meat, and melty cheese, creating a harmonious mixture that promises comfort in every bite.

  • Casserole Assembly

Warm the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Transfer the luscious mixture into a welcoming baking dish. For extra crunch, sprinkle a delicate layer of crispy breadcrumbs across the top, dotting with small butter medallions.

  • Baking Magic

Allow the casserole to transform in the oven, bubbling and developing a golden crown that signals pure deliciousness is moments away.

  • Serving Moment

Let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle. Serve alongside fresh greens for a complete meal that hugs the soul.

Helpful Tips For Amish Country Casserole

  • Texture Tip: Crunch Factor
  • Add crispy bacon bits or crushed buttery crackers on top for an extra layer of delicious crunch that elevates the casserole's texture and flavor profile.
  • Dietary Swap: Healthier Protein Options
  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey or lean chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains the dish's hearty essence.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Alternative Adaptations
  • Use gluten-free cream soups and substitute regular noodles with gluten-free egg noodles or pasta to make this classic recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Plant-Based Alternative
  • Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or lentils to create a satisfying vegetarian casserole that preserves the original recipe's comforting spirit.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Preparation Strategies
  • Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Amish Country Casserole Made Simple

  • Hearty Comfort Plate: Pair this rich casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy dish's heaviness.
  • Rustic Family Feast: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a complete nutritious meal that adds color and extra nutrients.
  • Country-Style Spread: Complement the casserole with warm dinner rolls or buttery cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  • Quick Protein Boost: Top individual servings with extra shredded cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or crumbled bacon for added flavor and visual appeal that makes the dish feel more gourmet.

Store Amish Country Casserole The Right Way

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap the entire casserole or individual portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen meals remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway. For larger portions, use the oven at 350F, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to ensure even heating. This method saves time and delivers a fresh, hot meal.
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Hearty Amish Country Casserole Recipe

Hearty Amish Country Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Amish country casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables across Pennsylvania. Simple ingredients and traditional cooking methods create a satisfying meal we can eagerly share with loved ones.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 2 cups (500 mL) egg noodles
  • 1 cup (240 mL) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (240 mL) milk
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (120 mL) breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and reserve in a separate container.
  2. Meat Foundation: Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet over moderate heat. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to develop robust flavors.
  3. Creamy Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk in a mixing bowl until smooth and uniform. Incorporate cooked noodles, seasoned meat, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
  4. Casserole Assembly: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture, spreading contents uniformly. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top, dotting with butter fragments for added richness.
  5. Baking and Serving: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden and bubbly. Allow a 5-minute rest to stabilize flavors. Plate alongside a fresh salad or green vegetables for a complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Drain Noodles Carefully: Pat noodles dry after draining to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
  • Control Meat Grease: Thoroughly drain ground beef to reduce heavy, greasy texture and maintain a lighter dish consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese freshly and mix while ingredients are still warm to ensure smooth, even cheese distribution.
  • Customize Seasoning: Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the classic flavor profile and add personal touch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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