Oh, friend, let me tell you about the first time I tasted this Amish country casserole comfort food recipe—it was life-changing! Picture this: I was visiting my aunt in Pennsylvania Dutch country, bone-tired after helping with her fall harvest. She pulled this bubbling, cheesy masterpiece from the oven, and I swear the whole farmhouse smelled like pure comfort. That first bite? Macaroni cradled in creamy sauce, savory beef, and onions caramelized just right—it hugged me from the inside out.
Now, I make this at least twice a month because it’s the ultimate cozy meal. Some might call it “humble food,” but trust me, there’s magic in these simple ingredients. The Amish know what they’re doing—no fancy techniques, just honest-to-goodness nourishment that fills bellies and warms hearts. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving that old-fashioned comfort, this casserole delivers every single time.
What I love most (besides how ridiculously easy it is) is how the recipe adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand. Out of ground beef? Turkey works great. Want extra veggies? Toss ’em in! That’s the beauty of Amish cooking—it’s practical, forgiving, and always, always delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Country Casserole Comfort Food Recipe
Listen, I know you’re going to adore this casserole as much as I do—here’s why:
- Weeknight lifesaver: It comes together faster than you can say “pass the potatoes!” (Just 15 minutes prep!)
- Hugs in a dish: That creamy, cheesy goodness wraps around you like a warm blanket on a chilly evening
- Kid-approved magic: Even my picky nephew cleans his plate when this appears on the table
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge—it’s impossible to mess up
- Leftovers that improve: The flavors meld beautifully overnight (if there’s any left, that is!)
Honestly? This casserole tastes like home—no matter where you’re from.
Ingredients for Amish Country Casserole Comfort Food
Here’s what you’ll need to make this soul-warming dish—nothing fancy, just good honest ingredients that work their magic together:
- 1 lb ground beef (I like 80/20 for flavor, but lean works too)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup—trust me, don’t skip this!)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente (measure before cooking)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (the Amish pantry staple!)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat for that luscious texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, packed (sharp is my favorite)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (2% works in a pinch)
- 1 tsp salt (I use kosher)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ed if you’ve got it)
See? Simple stuff! Now let me tell you—that onion needs to be diced small so it melts into the beef beautifully. And when measuring cheese, really pack it into the cup—we’re not counting calories here, we’re making comfort.
How to Make Amish Country Casserole Comfort Food
Alright, let’s get cooking! This casserole comes together in three simple steps—but oh, the magic that happens when these ingredients mingle in the oven. Here’s exactly how I make it every time (with all my little tricks sprinkled in):
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
First things first—fire up that skillet! I use a good ol’ cast iron pan over medium heat (about a 5 on your dial). Toss in the ground beef and diced onions together—they’re best friends in this dish. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). You’ll know it’s perfect when the onions turn translucent and the beef gets those little golden-brown crispy bits. Drain any excess grease, but leave just enough to keep things flavorful.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
Now for the fun part—the big mix! In a large bowl, dump your cooked macaroni, the beef-onion mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Here’s my secret: stir gently but thoroughly with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom to make sure every noodle gets coated in that creamy goodness. Don’t be shy—get in there and make sure everything’s evenly distributed! The mixture should look like a happy, creamy mess at this point.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour your mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish (I give mine a quick spray with cooking oil first). Sprinkle that glorious cup of cheddar evenly over the top—I like to go right to the edges for maximum cheesy coverage. Pop it in your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and golden, and the edges are bubbling like little lava pools. That sizzle sound? Music to my ears!
Pro tip: Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking—I know it’s hard to wait, but this helps the flavors settle and makes serving way easier. Then dig in and enjoy that first heavenly bite!
Tips for the Best Amish Country Casserole Comfort Food
After making this casserole more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to oh-my-goodness amazing:
- Rest time matters: Let it sit 5 minutes after baking—those flavors need to get acquainted!
- Undercook the pasta: Boil elbows 1 minute less than package says—they’ll finish cooking in the oven
- Brown the beef well: Those crispy bits add incredible depth of flavor
- Room temp dairy: Take sour cream and milk out 30 minutes early—they blend smoother
- Double for crowds: This recipe scales beautifully—just use two pans
Oh! And if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some paprika on top before baking—pretty and tasty!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of my favorite things about this Amish country casserole comfort food recipe is how forgiving it is—you can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or dietary needs! Here are my go-to swaps that still deliver that cozy flavor:
- Meat options: Ground turkey works beautifully (I often use 93% lean), or try browned sausage for extra zing
- Veggie boost: Toss in a cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms with the beef
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk yogurt instead of sour cream and dairy-free cheese (the soup’s already dairy-free!)
- Pasta swaps: Shells or rotini hold sauce well if you’re out of elbows
- Cream soup: Cream of chicken or celery soup make tasty alternatives
See? No stress—just delicious possibilities! The Amish would approve of this thrifty flexibility. If you are interested in other ways to use simple pantry staples, check out this air fryer cornbread recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Amish Country Casserole Comfort Food
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this casserole—it’s practically a full meal by itself, but a few simple sides turn it into a feast! My go-to? Crisp-tender green beans tossed with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder. A basket of warm, crusty bread is essential for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce. In summer, I’ll add a bright tomato cucumber salad to cut through the richness. And don’t forget the pickles—my aunt always served bread-and-butter pickles on the side for that perfect tangy crunch!
Storing and Reheating Your Casserole
Listen, I’ll be honest—leftovers rarely happen with this casserole in my house! But when they do, here’s how I keep that comforting taste perfect:
Fridge storage: Let it cool completely first (about 30 minutes), then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully for 3-4 days. To reheat, I pop individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until steaming hot, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Freezer magic: This casserole freezes like a dream! Just wrap cooled portions in plastic wrap then foil (double protection!), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—easy as pie!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s be real—this is comfort food, not health food! But because I know some of you like to keep track (like my cousin Martha with her fancy food journal), here’s the estimated nutrition per serving. Remember—these values will vary based on your exact ingredients! For more information on general nutritional guidelines, you can check out resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Calories: About 420 per serving
- Protein: 25g (thanks to that hearty beef!)
- Carbs: 30g (mostly from those satisfying noodles)
- Fat: 22g (where all the flavor lives!)
The cheese and sour cream bring most of the fat, while the beef packs a protein punch. It’s definitely a filling meal—one serving keeps me full for hours! Want to lighten it up? Try my ground turkey swap from earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional in Amish country casserole comfort food, I’ve used everything from shells or rotini hold sauce well if you’re out of elbows. My personal favorite swap? Cavatappi—those fun corkscrews hold onto the creamy sauce like little flavor magnets!
How Long Does It Keep in the Fridge?
This casserole keeps like a dream! Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. Truth be told? I think it tastes even better on day two when all those flavors have had time to get cozy together. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave until piping hot—about 2 minutes usually does the trick.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead?
Oh honey, this is my go-to make-ahead meal! You’ve got two great options: 1) Assemble everything (unbaked) up to 24 hours in advance—just cover and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time, or 2) Bake it fully, then freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating). Either way, you’ve got comforting Amish country casserole comfort food ready when you need it most! If you want another great make-ahead dinner, try this caramelized onion parmesan chicken bake.
Did this answer your questions? Rate this recipe below and tell me how yours turned out—I love hearing your kitchen stories!
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55-Minute Amish Country Casserole Comfort Food Bliss
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and comforting casserole inspired by Amish country traditions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet.
- Mix cooked macaroni, beef mixture, soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Amish country casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe