Amish Country Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines simple ingredients into a satisfying and flavorful meal. This casserole typically features tender ground beef combined with noodles, creamy mushroom soup, and a generous amount of melted cheese, all baked together to create a warm, savory dish. It’s the kind of comfort food that fills you up and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
I first made this casserole on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm and filling. The blend of savory meat, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese made it the perfect one-dish meal. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize—you can use different types of pasta, swap the meat for chicken or turkey, or add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. Whether served for a family dinner or as a potluck dish, Amish Country Casserole is always a comforting and crowd-pleasing choice!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Potlucks
- Holiday meals
- Comfort food lovers
- Weeknight dinners
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Amish Country Casserole will become your go-to comfort food:
- Hearty and Filling: This casserole is packed with ground beef, cheese, and pasta, making it a satisfying and complete meal.
- Deliciously Cheesy: The melted cheese on top adds a creamy richness that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together quickly.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting casserole.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the dish with different meats, vegetables, or pasta types.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it ahead of time and bake it when ready, making dinner stress-free.
- Great Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup required, as everything cooks in one casserole dish.
- Classic Comfort Food: This dish brings the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional home-cooked meal.
- Affordable Ingredients: Budget-friendly and easy to find, this recipe uses ingredients you likely already have at home.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 24g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the casserole.
- Cheese Combination: The blend of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar creates a creamy and melty topping.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and meat.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a touch of herbal flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Casserole:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Cooked Pasta: Mix in the cooked elbow macaroni and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Prepare the Topping:
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Amish Country Casserole:
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a comforting, carb-loaded meal.
- For a Family Feast: Serve as the main dish at a family dinner or holiday gathering.
- With Steamed Veggies: Add some healthy steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
- For Lunch the Next Day: Reheat for a satisfying lunch that tastes just as good the second day.
- With Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy kick.
- As a Potluck Dish: Bring this casserole to a potluck or party to impress guests.
- With Hot Sauce: Add a little kick by drizzling hot sauce over individual servings.
- For Comfort on Cold Days: Perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and filling.
- As a Make-Ahead Meal: Prep the casserole ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
Additional Tips
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
- Customize with Veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and salt to suit your taste preferences.
- Use Different Pasta: You can swap the elbow macaroni for other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
- Keep It Moist: If the casserole looks too dry, add a little extra sour cream or tomato sauce before baking.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Casserole: Replace the ground beef with a combination of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Beef Bacon and Sausage Casserole: Add cooked beef bacon for extra smoky flavor.
- Spicy Casserole: Incorporate diced jalapeños or hot beef sausage for a spicy twist.
- Mexican Style: Use taco seasoning and top with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a Mexican-style casserole.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the pasta with gluten-free macaroni and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Creamy Chicken Casserole: Swap the ground beef for cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter variation.
- Ranch Style: Stir in a packet of ranch seasoning mix for a creamy and herby flavor.
- BBQ Casserole: Use barbecue sauce in place of the tomato sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Mix in shredded buffalo chicken for a spicy and flavorful version.
Special Equipment
- Casserole Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works best for this recipe.
- Skillet: Use a large skillet to cook the ground beef and sauté the vegetables.
- Grater: A box grater or food processor is useful for shredding cheese quickly.
- Foil: Use foil to cover the casserole while baking to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
- Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients and serving the casserole.
FAQ Section
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. - Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese can be substituted for cottage cheese for a slightly different texture. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking. - What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. - Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or bowtie. - How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
The casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish. - Can I skip the cracker topping?
Yes, the casserole will still be delicious without the cracker topping. You can also use breadcrumbs. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Conclusion
Amish Country Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal. With layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese, this casserole is a crowd favorite that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. The rich flavors and cozy texture make it an ideal choice for those chilly nights when you need a warm, filling meal that feels like home.
This casserole is easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight dinner option. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can add extra vegetables, switch up the seasonings, or even swap in your favorite type of cheese. Whether you serve it on its own or alongside a fresh salad, Amish Country Casserole is sure to bring comfort and joy to your table.
I can’t wait to hear how your Amish Country Casserole turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your cozy creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish uniquely yours!