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Instructions for Making Amish Country Casserole:
1. Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. Make sure not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue cooking in the casserole.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Prepare the Casserole Sauce
Once the beef and onion mixture is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Combine the Noodles and Beef Mixture
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef mixture, stirring gently to combine. Make sure the noodles are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the beef and noodle mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
6. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you like your casserole extra cheesy, feel free to add more cheese! You can also sprinkle a little extra garlic powder or onion powder on top of the cheese for added flavor.
7. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Amish Country Casserole:
- Use Homemade Sauce: If you want to make the casserole even more homemade, you can replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce (béchamel sauce). Simply melt some butter, add flour to form a roux, and whisk in milk until thickened.
- Add Vegetables: You can boost the nutrition of this casserole by adding some frozen peas, corn, or chopped carrots to the beef mixture. These vegetables blend well with the other flavors and provide extra vitamins.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture to give it a slight kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free (or make a gluten-free version of the sauce from scratch).
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, monterey jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
Why You’ll Love Amish Country Casserole:
Amish Country Casserole is a warm, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. The creamy sauce, tender ground beef, and cheesy topping come together in a way that’s both hearty and flavorful. With a simple combination of ingredients, this dish captures the essence of Amish cooking—wholesome, uncomplicated, and made with love.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or preparing a weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that will bring everyone to the table and leave them asking for seconds.
For those who crave comforting, home-cooked meals, Amish Country Casserole is the perfect addition to your recipe collection. It’s a timeless classic that will continue to warm your heart and fill your belly for years to come!
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