Discover Homestyle Comfort with Our Amish Country Casserole: A Hearty Dish Straight from the Heartland
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Amish country with our Amish Country Casserole. This hearty dish is a tribute to the simple, wholesome flavors that define Amish cuisine. Packed with ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind creating this homestyle classic that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz wide egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir the cheese sauce into the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
- Combine with Noodles:
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the beef and cheese sauce mixture. Gently fold until the noodles are well coated.
- Assemble in the Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, crushed butter crackers, and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Cooking Notes:
- Cheese Melting Tip: If you want an extra cheesy finish, add an additional layer of shredded cheese to the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Butter Cracker Options: Experiment with different types of butter crackers for the topping, such as Ritz or Club crackers, to add subtle variations in flavor.
Variations:
Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the ground beef mixture for an earthy flavor boost.
Vegetable Bounty: Add a mix of diced vegetables, such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots, to enhance the casserole’s nutritional profile.
Keto Versions:
Cauliflower Swap: Replace egg noodles with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative, ensuring a similar texture while reducing carbs.
Keto-Friendly Soup Base: Opt for keto-friendly cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups or create a homemade keto-friendly soup base.
Low-Carb Version:
Zucchini Ribbon Delight: Substitute egg noodles with thinly sliced zucchini ribbons for a low-carb option that adds a fresh twist.
Almond Flour Crunch: Replace butter crackers with a mixture of almond flour and grated Parmesan for a low-carb crunchy topping.
In conclusion, our Amish Country Casserole is a testament to the warmth and simplicity of Amish cooking. This dish encapsulates the essence of comfort food – rich, hearty, and satisfying. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly meal or a dish to impress at a potluck, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Experiment with variations to suit your taste preferences and explore keto and low-carb adaptations to make this homestyle classic accessible to a broader audience. So, preheat that oven, savor the aroma as it bakes, and relish in the joy of homestyle comfort with our Amish Country Casserole. It’s more than a meal; it’s a taste of heartwarming traditions from the heartland.
