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
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and reserve in a separate container.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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