Easy Amish Country Casserole: Your New Go-To Ground Beef & Noodle Dinner (No Cream of Mushroom Soup!)
Are you searching for the ultimate easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying main dish for those hectic weeknights? Look no further than this delightful Amish Country Casserole! It’s the quintessential comfort food, bringing together savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich, easy homemade sauce – with a special twist: absolutely no cream of mushroom soup. Crowned with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this cozy casserole is guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite.
Even though I live quite close to Missouri Amish country, the exact origins of “Amish Country Casserole” can be a bit elusive. While this recipe might not be 100% historically authentic to traditional Amish cooking, what truly matters is that it’s an incredibly delicious, hearty, and simple weeknight meal that can be on your table in no time. It brings comfort and warmth, perfect for any family looking for a satisfying dinner without fuss.
Perhaps you’ve tried an Amish Country Casserole before. If so, let me tell you, my version is a little bit different, and I believe, even better for many! The biggest difference? My Amish Country Casserole recipe does not contain cream of mushroom soup. For me, this is a necessity as I have an allergy to mushrooms. But even if you love mushroom soup, you’ll appreciate the fresh, vibrant flavor of this homemade sauce.
Why This Amish Country Casserole is a Game Changer
The absence of cream of mushroom soup isn’t just about allergies; it offers several fantastic benefits. Firstly, it allows the natural flavors of the ground beef, noodles, and spices to shine through without being overshadowed. Secondly, it means you can skip the baking step that often accompanies most recipes for Amish Country Casserole, making this a true one-pan stovetop wonder. Everything cooks beautifully together, making cleanup a breeze!
I absolutely love making this dish in my handy-dandy cast iron skillet. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly and helps develop incredible flavor. I seriously couldn’t live without mine!
However, if you’re like me and sometimes crave those wonderfully crispy edges on your noodles, you can certainly still finish this comfort dish in the oven. Just transfer it to a baking dish, top with a little extra cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. Either way, you’re in for a treat! 😉
Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Casserole
The beauty of this Amish Country Casserole lies in its simple, readily available ingredients that come together to create a complex and comforting flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:
- Egg Noodles or Rotini: These provide the classic hearty base. Egg noodles are traditional for many comfort casseroles, offering a soft, chewy texture. Rotini, with its corkscrew shape, is excellent for catching and holding onto the rich sauce. Feel free to use what you have on hand or prefer!
- Ground Beef: The star protein! I recommend using an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and moisture, as you won’t be draining the grease initially. This fat contributes significantly to the richness of the sauce.
- Chopped Onion: A foundational aromatic that adds depth and sweetness to the ground beef mixture.
- Paprika: Provides a mild, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor, enhancing the overall savoriness of the dish.
- Garlic Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors. Garlic salt ensures you get both the savory punch of garlic and a balanced level of salt.
- Flour: This is our secret weapon for creating that lusciously thick, homemade sauce without relying on canned cream soups. It acts as a thickening agent, forming a roux with the beef grease.
- Beef Broth: The liquid base for our sauce, adding rich, savory beefy notes. Opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Tomato Soup (Condensed): This might be a surprise, but condensed tomato soup provides a fantastic tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy foundation for our sauce, perfectly replacing the cream of mushroom soup. It gives the casserole its characteristic reddish hue and robust flavor.
- Milk (or Half & Half): Adds creaminess and balances the acidity of the tomato soup, contributing to a smooth and velvety sauce. Half & half will make it even richer.
- Parmesan Cheese: The perfect finishing touch! Shredded Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a salty, umami kick that brings all the flavors together.
- Dried Parsley: For a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
How to Make This Easy Amish Country Casserole: Step-by-Step
Get ready to whip up this incredible ground beef and noodle casserole with ease. The instructions are straightforward, ensuring a delicious meal every time.
You’ll begin by cooking your chosen noodles according to their package directions. Be sure to drain them well and set them aside. While the pasta is cooking, you’ll brown one pound of ground beef together with the diced onion in a large skillet. This is key: do not drain the grease after browning. This flavorful beef fat will be essential for creating our rich, homemade sauce base.
Once your ground beef is beautifully browned and the onion is softened, it’s time to build the sauce. To the beef in the pan, add the paprika, garlic salt, pepper, and the all-purpose flour. Stir everything together thoroughly until the spices are completely incorporated into the beef and the flour is no longer visible, creating a seasoned roux.
Still over medium heat, slowly add the beef broth, milk, and condensed tomato soup to the beef mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. At this point, the sauce will begin to thicken beautifully, coating the beef with its rich, creamy texture.
Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, add the cooked and drained noodles directly into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are fully coated and heated through. Finally, top the casserole off with shredded Parmesan cheese and a delicate sprinkle of dried parsley for a beautiful presentation and added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Amish Country Casserole
This hearty Amish Country Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to create a balanced and satisfying dinner. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside some crisp roasted veggies like green beans, asparagus, or a simple garden salad. A bright and refreshing fruit salad can also provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the casserole. Don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce!
Note: This recipe makes a big batch, typically 8-10 generous servings! This makes it ideal for larger families, meal prepping, or entertaining. If this is more than your family can enjoy in one sitting, don’t worry – it freezes beautifully! Feel free to freeze half of it to have a delicious, ready-made meal later.
Freezer Instructions & Reheating Tips:
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal. To freeze, simply prepare the casserole as directed, then transfer it to a freezer-safe pan or individual containers. Cover it tightly with a lid or several layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the frozen casserole, first let it thaw completely in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Once thawed, bake it uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly. If reheating from frozen (not recommended for best texture, but possible in a pinch), cover it loosely with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60-90 minutes, then uncover for the last 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Variations & Customizations
While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s preferences:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, diced carrots, or bell peppers along with the cooked noodles for added nutrients and color.
- Different Cheese: Instead of or in addition to Parmesan, try shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a Colby Jack blend for a different cheesy twist.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick if you like a little heat.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano, added at the end, can elevate the flavors even further.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef. You may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter when browning to compensate for the lower fat content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
- Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta (ensure it’s designed for casseroles) and a gluten-free all-purpose flour for thickening the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.
- What if I don’t have tomato soup?
- While condensed tomato soup is key for the unique flavor here, you could try substituting with an equal amount of tomato sauce (not paste) mixed with a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of cream or milk for richness. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or bake as per the freezer instructions (but for a shorter time, around 15-20 minutes for a thawed casserole).
- Why don’t you drain the grease from the ground beef?
- The beef grease is intentionally left in the pan to combine with the flour, creating a flavorful roux that forms the base of our thick, rich homemade sauce. This adds depth of flavor and helps achieve the desired consistency without needing butter or oil. If you use very lean beef, you might need to add a small amount of oil.
This Easy Amish Country Casserole truly embodies comfort food at its best – simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer. Its hearty combination of ground beef and noodles in a rich, homemade tomato-based sauce makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion, especially when you need a reliable and satisfying meal without the fuss of canned soups. Give it a try, and watch it disappear!
Amish Country Casserole
Amish Country Casserole is made with ground beef, noodles, an easy homemade sauce (without cream of mushroom soup) and topped off with Parmesan cheese.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles or rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 14.5 ounce can beef broth
- 1 10.75 ounce can condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup milk (or 1/2 & 1/2)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup Parmesan
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
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Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown together the ground beef and onion. Do not drain the grease.
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Add the paprika, garlic salt, pepper, and flour to the ground beef. Cook and stir until all the seasonings have been incorporated.
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Over medium-high heat, add the broth, tomato soup, and milk. Cook and stir until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens up.
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Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and heat through.
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Sprinkle the parsley and Parmesan over the top and serve.
Notes
Pin this ground beef and noodle casserole recipe for later!
More easy ground beef recipes perfect for busy weeknights!
If you loved this comforting ground beef casserole, you’re in luck! Here are a few more easy, delicious, and family-friendly ground beef recipes that are perfect for those busy weeknights:
- Shepherd’s Pie with Tater Tots: A fun twist on a classic, topped with crispy tater tots.
- Wendy’s Copycat Chili in the Slow Cooker: Recreate your favorite fast-food chili right at home, with minimal effort.
- Juicy Burgers, A Midwestern Loose Meat Sandwich: A unique and flavorful sandwich that’s sure to be a hit.
- Hamburger Macaroni Soup: A warm and comforting soup, perfect for a chilly evening.
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