Growing up near Amish country, I learned that the most memorable meals often come from the simplest ingredients. Amish Casserole embodies this philosophy perfectly hearty, comforting, and straightforward, yet somehow greater than the sum of its parts. I first tasted this humble dish at a community potluck where it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. When I finally got the recipe from my Amish neighbor Sarah, I was surprised by its simplicity. But that’s the beauty of authentic Amish cooking: unpretentious ingredients transformed through care and tradition into something truly special. Trust me when I say this casserole will become a regular request in your household it certainly has in mine!
Why You’ll Love This Amish Casserole
- True Comfort Food – Hearty, filling, and satisfying—the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients that won’t strain your grocery budget
- Make-Ahead Marvel – Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or delivering to neighbors in need
- Family Approved – A kid-friendly dish that adults love too, making dinner time peaceful and enjoyable
Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Amish Casserole
- Ground beef – The hearty protein base (ground turkey works well as an alternative)
- Egg noodles – Wide egg noodles are traditional in Amish cooking, providing the perfect texture
- Cream of mushroom soup – Creates a creamy base without complicated sauce-making
- Cream of chicken soup – Adds depth of flavor and additional creaminess
- Sour cream – The secret ingredient that makes this casserole exceptionally rich and tangy
- Cottage cheese – Provides protein and a unique texture that’s quintessentially Amish
- Onion – Adds aromatic flavor and subtle sweetness when cooked
- Garlic – Provides depth of flavor (though some traditional recipes omit this)
- Butter – Used for sautéing and adding richness
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds a hint of umami and complexity
- Seasonings – Simple salt and pepper, staying true to Amish simplicity
- Cheddar cheese – Creates that irresistible golden, bubbly top
How to Make Amish Casserole
Prepare the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of wide egg noodles and cook until just shy of al dente, about 5-6 minutes. The noodles will continue cooking in the oven, so it’s important not to overcook them now. Drain well but don’t rinse the starchy exterior helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Brown the Meat Mixture
While the noodles are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Create the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1 cup of cottage cheese. Stir until well combined. This creamy mixture is what sets Amish casserole apart from other beef and noodle dishes, like my Cowboy Casserole that uses a different approach to create comfort food magic.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked egg noodles and browned beef mixture to the creamy base. Gently fold everything together until well combined, being careful not to break up the noodles. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been lightly greased. Spread evenly, then top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the casserole is heated through.
Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the casserole set up and makes it easier to serve neat portions. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, though a truly authentic Amish version would skip this extra flourish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Amish Casserole
- Noodle Know-How – Cook the egg noodles just until they offer slight resistance when bitten—they’ll continue to soften as they bake
- Cottage Cheese Consistency – If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese texture, you can pulse it in a food processor for a smoother result
- Make-Ahead Magic – This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking—just add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time
- Freezer Friendly – Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking
Variations on Traditional Amish Casserole
While authentic Amish cooking typically keeps things simple, there are several variations that still honor the spirit of the dish:
- Vegetable Boost – Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots to the beef mixture
- Mushroom Lover’s Version – Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions
- Tex-Mex Twist – Similar to my Taco Tater Tot Casserole, you can add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the ground beef and substitute pepper jack for cheddar
- Extra Protein – Add 1 cup of diced ham along with the ground beef
Serving Suggestions
Amish Casserole is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, but if you’d like to round out the table:
- Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette
- Add a side of steamed green beans or buttered corn
- Include some fresh-baked rolls or bread (Amish white bread would be perfect)
- Finish the meal with a slice of apple pie for a truly authentic Amish dinner experience
FAQs About Amish Casserole
Can I use different noodles if I don’t have egg noodles?
Yes, though egg noodles provide the most authentic texture and flavor. Rotini, penne, or even broken lasagna noodles can work in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
You can use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey, use low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream, and reduced-fat soups. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this without cottage cheese?
If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, you can substitute ricotta cheese or simply use additional sour cream. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but the casserole will still be delicious.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when it’s bubbling around the edges, the cheese on top is melted and golden, and the center reaches 165°F when tested with a food thermometer.
The Heart of Simple Comfort Food
Amish Casserole represents everything wonderful about heartland cooking—it’s unpretentious, satisfying, and brings people together. What I appreciate most about this recipe is how it reminds us that extraordinary meals don’t require exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. Sometimes the most memorable dishes are those that simply nourish both body and soul.
This casserole has become my go-to when I need to feed a crowd, bring a meal to a friend, or simply want to fill my kitchen with the aroma of comfort and tradition. In our busy modern world, there’s something profoundly grounding about preparing a meal that has sustained communities for generations.
Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family on a weeknight or contributing to a potluck dinner, this Amish Casserole delivers the kind of honest, heartwarming goodness that never goes out of style.
Amish Country Casserole
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz medium egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can condensed tomato soup (10.75 oz)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the condensed tomato soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and sauce mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!