Description
Hearty Amish Country Casserole brings comfort straight from rural kitchens, blending rich layers of pasta, ground beef, and creamy sauce. Homestyle ingredients create a satisfying meal that connects families around warm dinner tables, offering pure midwestern culinary embrace.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 2 cups (500 milliliters) egg noodles
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Soup and Dairy Components:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
Seasonings and Optional Toppings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta foundation by bringing a generously salted water vessel to a rolling boil. Submerge egg noodles and cook until perfectly tender, following package guidance. Carefully drain the noodles and set aside in a separate container.
- Transform ground beef into a flavorful base within a spacious skillet. Sauté the meat alongside diced onions over moderate heat, continuing until the protein browns and onions become translucent. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
- Enhance the meat mixture with aromatic seasonings – sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Integrate these elements thoroughly, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Craft a creamy binding sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk in a generous mixing vessel. Blend until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Consolidate all components by introducing cooked noodles, seasoned meat mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce. Stir meticulously to ensure complete ingredient distribution.
- Preheat the cooking chamber to 350°F, creating an ideal thermal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
- Transfer the combined mixture into a thoroughly greased 9×13-inch baking receptacle, spreading contents evenly to guarantee uniform cooking.
- Optional: Garnish the surface with a delicate layer of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Strategically place small butter fragments across the top for enhanced richness.
- Position the casserole within the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Monitor until the surface achieves a golden, bubbling appearance.
- Remove from the oven and permit a brief resting period of 5 minutes. This allows the casserole to stabilize and intensify its flavors. Serve alongside a crisp salad or verdant vegetables for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Enhance noodle texture by cooking just until al dente, preventing mushiness during baking.
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter casserole version.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives by using gluten-free noodles and cream soups for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg