This Hearty Amish Country Casserole is the definition of comfort food done right! Tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in this budget-friendly one-dish meal that’s been feeding families for generations. Sometimes called “Old-Fashioned Hamburger Noodle Casserole,” this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, church suppers, or feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
I was inspired to share this recipe because, let’s be honest, we all need those “back-pocket” dinners that are economical, easy to assemble, and taste like home. Whether you’re feeding a farmhouse full of hungry workers or just your own busy family on a Tuesday, this Amish country casserole checks every box. Though strictly traditional Amish recipes vary, this version captures that spirit of hospitality and resourcefulness perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a fork and dive right in!
Table of Contents
Hearty Amish Country Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 12 ounces medium egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 10.75- ounce can tomato soup
- 10.5- ounce can cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep & Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside.
- Create the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and dried onion flakes. Whisk together until smooth and well blended. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to season the sauce.
- Combine & Assemble: Add the cooked egg noodles and browned ground beef to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir everything together until the noodles and beef are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges. If the top begins to look dry or too crispy, cover with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top while it’s still hot. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why This Amish Country Casserole Recipe Works
There is a reason this dish has endured over time. In Amish communities, casseroles often reign supreme because they efficiently feed large families and utilize simple, readily available ingredients. This recipe is a total lifesaver because it is:
- Budget-Friendly: You can feed 8-10 people for roughly $12-18, making it an economical choice for today’s grocery prices.
- Make-Ahead Magic: It’s one of those meals that actually tastes better the next day and is entirely freezer-friendly.
- Simple & Hearty: It transforms pantry staples into extraordinary comfort food without any fancy, hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients for Amish Country Casserole
Here is what you need to whip up this classic ground beef casserole. You likely have most of these items in your pantry right now!
For the Base:
- 12 ounces medium egg noodles: These hold up perfectly in the sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: Lean is great, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the meat.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 10.75-ounce can of tomato soup: This adds a subtle sweetness and tangy depth.
- 10.5-ounce can cream of mushroom soup: You can also swap this for cream of chicken if you prefer.
- 1 cup milk: To thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient for that savory “umami” punch!
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh or jarred works fine.
- 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes: This adds that classic “onion soup” flavor profile.
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, savory finish.
How to Make Amish Country Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Get ready to make your house smell amazing! This easy casserole recipe comes together quickly, leaving you plenty of time to relax while it bakes.
- Prep & Cook Noodles: First, preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cook your egg noodles according to the package directions. Pro Tip: Cook them just until al dente (still slightly firm), as they will continue cooking in the oven later. Drain them well and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: While the water boils, grab a large skillet. Over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Season this layer generously with salt and pepper. Layering your seasoning is key to a flavorful Amish casserole! Drain any excess grease to keep the final dish from being too oily, then set the beef aside.
- Create the Sauce: Now for the magic! In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and dried onion flakes. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended. Please give it a tiny pinch of salt and pepper. The combination of tomato and mushroom soups creates a unique, pinkish sauce that is savory, tangy, and totally addictive.
- Combine & Assemble: Add the cooked egg noodles and the browned ground beef directly to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir everything together gently until every noodle and morsel of meat is evenly coated in that creamy sauce. It should look glossy and inviting! Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You are looking for it to be heated through and bubbling enthusiastically around the edges. If you notice the top getting a little too crispy or dry for your liking, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. While it is still piping hot, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set up, making it easier to scoop.
Tips for the Best Amish Casserole & Variations
This hamburger noodle casserole is incredibly forgiving, which is why it’s such a favorite. Here are a few ways you can adapt it to your taste or pantry:
- Vegetable Add-Ins: To make this an actual one-dish meal, feel free to stir in some frozen peas, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers before baking. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies for the kids!
- Cheese Lovers: While the traditional recipe calls for Parmesan, you can absolutely add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the top for a cheesier, gooier finish.
- Protein Swaps: If you are watching your red meat intake, ground turkey or ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe. The sauce is flavorful enough that you won’t miss the beef.
- The “Six-Ingredient” Version: If you are in a hurry, you can simplify this further by omitting the garlic and Worcestershire sauce, but I highly recommend keeping them for that extra depth of flavor.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions: This is the ultimate make-ahead casserole! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze it, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What to Serve with Amish Country Casserole
Since this is a rich and hearty main dish, I prefer to keep the sides simple and fresh.
- Garlic Bread: You need something to sop up that delicious creamy sauce! A crusty baguette or homemade garlic bread is a must.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess of the pasta and beef perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: If you didn’t add veggies inside the casserole, serving simple steamed broccoli or green beans on the side adds great color and nutrition to the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amish Casseroles
Is this an authentic Amish recipe?
While specific recipes vary from family to family, this dish represents the style of cooking popular in Amish communities: using frugal ingredients to create filling, delicious meals for large gatherings. It captures the spirit of traditional Amish hospitality.
Can I use homemade soup instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid condensed soups, you can make a simple béchamel sauce (white sauce) and add mushrooms and tomato paste to mimic the flavor profile. However, the “old-fashioned” charm of this recipe often comes from the ease of using the canned versions.
Why do they call it “Amish” Country Casserole?
It is likely called this because of its popularity in the Midwest and Amish country as a barn-raising or church supper dish. It relies on staples that are easy to keep on hand and easy to scale up for a crowd.
The Ultimate Comfort Meal
There is a reason this Amish Country Casserole has been a staple for so long; it just works. It’s warm, filling, and brings everyone to the table with a smile. I hope this recipe becomes a part of your family’s rotation, just like it has for so many others. Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to let me know how you made it your own! Happy cooking!
