Amish Country Casserole: Cheesy, Creamy, and Comforting

Amish Country Casserole is the kind of dish that makes you want to cancel takeout, pour a glass of sweet tea, and slide into your coziest sweatpants. This classic comfort food brings together ground beef, egg noodles, and cheesy goodness in one irresistibly creamy, hearty bake. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to dodge another “What’s for dinner?” meltdown, Amish Country Casserole has your back. It’s cozy, affordable, and comes together with pantry staples—no grocery store scavenger hunts required. It also reheats like a dream, so leftovers? Totally welcome.

Perfect for chilly nights, potlucks, or lazy Sundays, this dinner staple earns a spot in the “repeat-worthy” meal rotation. And if you’ve got picky eaters under your roof? They’re probably going to ask for seconds. Yep, it’s that kind of magic.

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What is Amish Country Casserole?

Amish Country Casserole is a budget-friendly, belly-warming dinner classic that’s been passed down through generations of home cooks. While there’s no official record that this recipe came from a little house in Lancaster County, the flavors certainly feel like a hug from grandma’s kitchen. Think of it as a simple meat-and-noodle bake made with ground beef, tender egg noodles, a creamy combo of soups and milk, and a glorious cheddar cheese topping. No fuss. No drama. Just hearty, feel-good food.

It’s the kind of dish that keeps you full and satisfied without breaking the bank or your spirit on a weeknight. And while some casseroles try to be fancy, this one proudly shows up in all its humble, cheesy glory—no pretense, just pure comfort.

Reasons to Try Amish Country Casserole

First off, Amish Country Casserole is basically the culinary version of a weighted blanket—soothing, satisfying, and deeply comforting. It’s quick to prep (15 minutes max), uses ingredients you probably already have (hello, pantry MVPs), and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. If you can brown beef and boil noodles, you’re already a rockstar here.

This recipe also hits that sweet spot between easy and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just want enough leftovers to avoid cooking again tomorrow, it delivers. Plus, it’s flexible—swap in turkey, add veggies, or spice things up. You’re the boss of your casserole.

Need more convincing? It’s a great way to use up pantry staples. And if you’re a fan of old-school recipes like Healthy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef or Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole, this one’s right up your alley.

Ingredients Needed to Make Amish Country Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions to Make Amish Country Casserole

Ready to bring some cozy, down-home goodness to your dinner table? Follow this step-by-step Amish Country Casserole guide to create a warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing meal. We’ll walk you through every part of the process—from prepping your ingredients to pulling a bubbling, golden masterpiece out of the oven. No guesswork, no stress—just simple, hearty cooking.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready to go when your casserole is assembled. Starting with a fully preheated oven helps the dish cook evenly and gives that cheddar topping a chance to get perfectly melty and golden.

Want to avoid soggy or uneven casseroles? Be sure to read our baking tips and oven prep guide for reliable results every time.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Onion

In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 chopped medium onion. Cook them together over medium heat, stirring occasionally to break up the beef, until the meat is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent. This usually takes about 7–10 minutes.

Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan. This helps prevent your casserole from becoming greasy. A leaner beef (like 90/10) or even a ground turkey substitute can be used here if you want a lighter dish—check out our tips on substituting meats in casseroles for ideas.

Step 3: Mix in the Soups, Milk, and Seasoning

Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the following:

• 1 can condensed tomato soup (10.75 oz)
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Stir well until everything is fully combined. Let this beef and soup mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step helps the flavors meld together into a rich, creamy base.

Prefer a spicier twist? A pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way, or consider upgrading your seasoning game with our guide to elevating simple sauces and soups.

Step 4: Boil and Drain the Egg Noodles

While your beef mixture simmers, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of wide egg noodles, cooking according to package instructions until just al dente (usually about 6–7 minutes).

Drain the noodles well and set them aside. Don’t skip the draining—extra water can water down your casserole and mess with the creamy texture. For busy weeknights, you can boil the noodles ahead of time and store them in the fridge (toss with a little oil to keep them from sticking).

Want more cozy pasta-based dinners? You’ll love our Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, too.

Step 5: Combine the Noodles and Beef Mixture

Add the drained noodles directly into your skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly until the noodles are fully coated in the savory, creamy sauce. Be sure to get all the corners—this is the heart of your Amish Country Casserole, and every bite should be rich and flavorful.

This is a great time to sneak in some extras if you want—frozen peas, chopped spinach, or sautéed mushrooms all work beautifully in this dish. You can find more ideas in our picky-eater-proof dinner upgrades.

Step 6: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Now, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it (a quick spray of cooking oil will do). Pour in the beef-noodle mixture and use a spatula or spoon to spread it out evenly. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and every portion has the right balance of noodle, sauce, and beef.

If you’re prepping this casserole ahead of time, cover and refrigerate it at this stage. When you’re ready to bake, just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Step 7: Top with Cheddar Cheese

Next comes the good stuff: 2 full cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle it generously across the top of your casserole. Go edge-to-edge here—no naked noodles allowed.

Want extra cheesy pull-apart action? Mix mild cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack. If you’re looking for lighter options, we offer cheesy swaps and smart dairy tricks in our cheese substitution guide.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide the casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is lightly crisp and your kitchen smells like pure comfort.

If the cheese browns too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil for the final 10 minutes. If it’s not bubbly by the end? Give it a few more minutes—but don’t overbake, or the noodles may dry out.

Step 9: Let It Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving cleaner and easier (plus you won’t burn your tongue—trust us).

Scoop onto plates and serve warm, optionally topped with fresh parsley for a little color. This dish pairs beautifully with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of Slow Cooker Cowboy Potatoes.

What to Serve with Amish Country Casserole

Amish Country Casserole is a full-on comfort meal, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A fresh green salad with a zippy vinaigrette can cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed green beans, broccoli, or even buttery peas also work great. Want to go all-in on comfort? Serve it with Homemade Hobo Casserole or buttery rolls for carb heaven.

And if you’re trying to lighten things up just a tad (we get it), go for a citrusy cucumber salad or some pickled veggies. Balance, right?

Key Tips for Making Amish Country Casserole

• Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll keep cooking in the oven, so aim for just-tender.
• Drain the beef well to avoid a greasy casserole (no one wants that surprise).
• Mix it all thoroughly before baking so you don’t get soup pockets or dry corners.
• Cheese tip: Shred your own if you can—pre-shredded tends to be less melty.
• Want spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef for some gentle heat.
• Make it ahead: This dish does great in the fridge overnight—just add 10 more minutes to your bake time.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Amish Country Casserole

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store Amish Country Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. Or warm it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through.

Want to freeze it? Go for it! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed—adding an extra 10–15 minutes.

Meal prep tip: Portion it out into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches that don’t taste like cardboard.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. It’ll be a little lighter but still plenty flavorful.

Can I freeze Amish Country Casserole after baking?
Yes! Just let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze. It reheats well.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
Swap in cream of chicken or celery. It’s a forgiving recipe.

Is this kid-friendly?
Very. Even picky eaters usually love the cheesy, noodle-filled goodness.

Final Thoughts

Amish Country Casserole is comfort food at its finest—simple, creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re juggling a chaotic weeknight or planning a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is always a good idea. It brings all the heartiness of homemade meals without the hassle of a complicated recipe. Bonus: the leftovers are chef’s kiss. Ready to cozy up with a casserole that actually lives up to the hype? This one’s calling your name.

For more crave-worthy ideas, check out our family-approved Simple Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef or dig into the creamy vibes of our Pioneer Woman Hamburger Potato Casserole.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

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