Indulge in the cozy embrace of Amish tradition with our hearty homestyle beef and noodle bake. This Amish Country Casserole recipe encapsulates the essence of comfort food, blending simple ingredients into a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this timeless recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounce bag medium egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10.75 ounce can tomato soup
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons dried onion flakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and crumbled. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and dried onion flakes. Stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef to the soup mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden.
- Once done, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Serve your Amish Country Casserole hot alongside garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 523 kcal
- Servings: 6 servings
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Portioning: When serving the Amish Country Casserole, use a sharp knife to cut neat squares or rectangles, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of noodles, beef, and creamy sauce.
- Garnishing: Enhance the visual appeal of the casserole by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika before serving. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
- Accompaniments: Pair the casserole with your favorite side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread and a crisp garden salad are classic accompaniments that complement the flavors of the casserole beautifully.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. Once cooled, tightly wrap the casserole dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, transfer individual portions into freezer-safe containers. Label the containers with the date and contents before placing them in the freezer. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the casserole according to your preferences. You can add extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition and flavor. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese or herbs to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Amish Country Casserole anytime and make the most out of your leftovers with minimal effort.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace the ground beef with meatless crumbles or diced tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version of the casserole.
- Chicken Substitute: Swap the ground beef for cooked shredded chicken for a lighter alternative with a poultry twist.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Mix in extra shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella into the casserole for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture for a spicy flavor boost.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Incorporate Mexican-inspired ingredients like black beans, corn, and salsa for a Tex-Mex twist on the classic casserole.
- Italian Influence: Infuse Italian flavors by using marinara sauce instead of tomato soup and adding Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil.
- Mushroom Medley: Enhance the earthy flavor by adding a variety of mushrooms such as sliced button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or shiitake mushrooms.
- Seafood Sensation: Substitute the ground beef with cooked seafood like shrimp or crabmeat for a luxurious seafood casserole experience.
- Greek-Inspired: Transform the casserole with Mediterranean flavors by using Greek yogurt instead of cream of mushroom soup, and adding spinach, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
- Pesto Perfection: Mix in a dollop of pesto sauce for a vibrant burst of flavor that complements the richness of the casserole.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure that all canned ingredients and sauces are labeled gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Replace the egg noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option that’s still packed with flavor.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew cream for the milk and Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free version of the casserole.
- Herbaceous Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to add a burst of freshness and aromatic complexity to the casserole.
- Breakfast Twist: Enjoy the casserole as a hearty breakfast dish by adding cooked breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheese to the mixture, then serving it with a side of toast or English muffins.
FAQs:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole mixture.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
- What can I serve with this casserole besides garlic bread and salad? Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of steamed broccoli are all excellent accompaniments to this casserole.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? Yes, the casserole freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags for up to 2-3 months.
- How can I make this casserole spicier? You can add additional spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the casserole mixture to increase the heat level according to your preference.
- Can I use different types of pasta? While egg noodles work best for this recipe, you can experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a unique twist.
- Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup? Yes, you can substitute cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup if you prefer or make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as diced bell peppers, peas, carrots, or spinach to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.
Experience the warmth and flavor of Amish cooking with this delightful casserole recipe. Whether shared with loved ones or savored as a comforting solo meal, our Amish Country Casserole promises to fill your home with the aroma of wholesome goodness. Enjoy the simple pleasures of homestyle cooking with every forkful of this delicious dish.