Description
Hearty Amish Country Casserole delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens, blending generations of culinary tradition. Family gatherings come alive with creamy layers of noodles, ground beef, and rich cheese that welcome hungry diners to savor pure home-style goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping and Extras:
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and return the meat to the skillet.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and black pepper to the beef, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Cook egg noodles in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Fold the cooked noodles into the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Combine crushed butter crackers with melted butter in a separate bowl, mixing until the crackers are completely coated.
- Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole, creating a crispy top layer.
- Scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping for additional flavor and richness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains the casserole’s hearty texture.
- Choose whole wheat egg noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the dish’s classic comfort food appeal.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and unsalted butter crackers, making the recipe more heart-healthy while preserving its rich flavor profile.
- Enhance nutritional value by mixing in frozen vegetables like peas or carrots during the beef mixture stage, adding color, texture, and extra nutrients to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg