Introduction & First Steps of the Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and hearty casserole to bring the family together. This Ground Beef Country Casserole is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness, all baked to perfection in one dish. Packed with tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-mushroom sauce, this recipe is comfort food at its finest.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together with minimal effort and simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Everything comes together in one baking dish!
✔️ Family Favorite – A dish everyone will love, from kids to adults.
✔️ Creamy & Hearty – The perfect combination of beef, noodles, and cheese.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Easy to prepare in advance and bake later.
✔️ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you’re looking for a foolproof casserole that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion, this is it. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start assembling this creamy, cheesy casserole, let’s go over the key ingredients that make this dish so rich and delicious.
For the Beef & Sauce:
✔️ 1 lb lean ground beef – Adds a hearty, protein-packed base.
✔️ 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the beef’s flavor.
✔️ 1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper – Essential seasonings for balance.
✔️ 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup – Brings a rich, tangy tomato flavor.
✔️ 1 can (10.75 oz) golden mushroom soup – Adds a deep, umami-packed creaminess.
✔️ 1 cup whole milk – Makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth.
✔️ 2 tablespoons dried minced onion – For an easy, subtle onion flavor.
✔️ 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds a hint of savory depth.
For the Casserole:
✔️ 1 bag (12 oz) wide egg noodles – The perfect soft and chewy pasta base.
✔️ ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty bite.
✔️ 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese – Melts beautifully on top for a gooey finish.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to add more flavor and nutrients? Toss in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or a handful of spinach before baking!
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish & Oven
Before we start cooking, we need to preheat the oven and prep our casserole dish.
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
💡 Baking Tip: Using a glass or ceramic dish helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring the casserole bakes perfectly!
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Since egg noodles cook quickly, it’s best to prepare them just before assembling the casserole.
3️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
4️⃣ Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
5️⃣ Drain the noodles without rinsing, then set them aside.
💡 Why Not Rinse the Noodles? Rinsing removes starch that helps the sauce stick to the pasta, so we want to keep that starch for a creamy casserole!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
To build a rich, savory base, we need to brown the beef and season it well.
6️⃣ In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef.
7️⃣ Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper as it cooks.
8️⃣ Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the beef into small crumbles.
9️⃣ Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
🔟 Drain any excess grease and remove from heat.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to add extra flavor? Sauté some diced onions or mushrooms with the beef before draining!
At this point, we have our noodles cooked and beef browned, and we’re ready to mix everything together for a creamy, cheesy, and irresistible casserole!
Part 2: Mixing the Ingredients & Baking to Perfection
Now that we’ve cooked the egg noodles and browned the ground beef, it’s time to bring everything together! This is where the rich, creamy tomato-mushroom sauce coats the noodles, and the whole dish gets topped with melted, bubbly cheese.
Let’s move on to assembling and baking this hearty, cheesy casserole!
Step 4: Mix the Beef, Noodles & Sauce
This step is where all the flavors come together in a creamy, comforting blend.
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked egg noodles
- Browned ground beef
- 1 can of condensed tomato soup
- 1 can of golden mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2️⃣ Stir everything until well mixed and all the noodles are coated in the savory, creamy sauce.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want an even creamier texture, stir in an extra ¼ cup of milk or a dollop of sour cream before baking!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Now that our mixture is ready, let’s get it into the baking dish.
3️⃣ Transfer the mixture to the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4️⃣ Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning while baking.
💡 Baking Tip: Covering the dish helps the casserole retain moisture so the noodles stay soft and the sauce thickens perfectly!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
It’s time to turn up the heat and let the oven work its magic!
5️⃣ Place the covered casserole in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
6️⃣ Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
💡 Pro Tip: If your oven runs hot, check the casserole at 18 minutes to avoid drying it out!
Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping & Bake Again
What’s better than a cheesy casserole? A casserole with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese!
7️⃣ Remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
8️⃣ Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
💡 Cheese Lover’s Tip: Add extra shredded cheese if you love an ultra-gooey, cheesy top layer!
Step 8: Let the Casserole Rest & Serve
Now that our Ground Beef Country Casserole is baked to perfection, the final step is to let it rest before serving.
9️⃣ Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before scooping.
🔟 Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
💡 Serving Suggestion: Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
Expert Tips & Variations
Want to customize your casserole? Here are some easy ways to make it even better!
1. Make It Extra Creamy
🥄 Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese for an extra rich and creamy texture.
2. Add More Veggies
🌿 Mix in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or baby spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
3. Prefer a Crunchy Topping?
🥖 Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese for a crispy, golden topping!
4. Want a Spicy Kick?
🌶 Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat!
5. Swap the Protein
🥩 Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
FAQs, Storage Tips & Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve assembled, baked, and indulged in this cheesy, hearty casserole, let’s go over frequently asked questions, the best way to store leftovers, and final thoughts on why this recipe is a must-try for any home cook!
FAQs About Ground Beef Country Casserole
1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead in two ways:
✔️ Unbaked: Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed.
✔️ Baked: Make the casserole completely, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat individual portions as needed for a quick meal.
💡 Pro Tip: If baking from cold, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly!
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good! 😉), here’s how to keep them fresh:
✔️ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔️ Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap individual portions in foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
💡 Reheating Tips:
🔥 Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot.
🔥 Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to maintain creaminess.
🔥 Stovetop: Add a splash of milk and reheat on low heat, stirring frequently.
3. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles work best for this casserole, you can substitute with:
🍝 Rotini or penne – Holds the sauce well and provides a firmer texture.
🍝 Macaroni – A fun alternative that makes this more like a beefy mac and cheese.
🍝 Gluten-free pasta – A great option for a GF version (just slightly undercook it before baking).
💡 Pasta Tip: If using a different type, adjust cooking times so it stays slightly firm before baking!
4. What’s the Best Cheese for This Casserole?
While Colby Jack and Parmesan give this dish its signature flavor, you can mix and match with other cheeses!
🧀 Cheddar – For a sharper, tangier cheese pull.
🧀 Mozzarella – For extra gooey, stretchy goodness.
🧀 Pepper Jack – If you like a little heat!
💡 Extra Cheesy Tip: If you love cheese, double the Colby Jack topping for an even richer, meltier finish!
5. Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
Yes! To lighten things up while keeping all the flavor, try these swaps:
🥩 Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
🥛 Substitute 2% or almond milk instead of whole milk.
🌿 Add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
🍝 Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber.
💡 Healthy Swap Tip: You can also reduce the cheese slightly and use Greek yogurt instead of some of the milk for a protein-packed alternative.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef Country Casserole is the ultimate blend of hearty, cheesy, and satisfying comfort food. It’s easy to make, requires simple pantry ingredients, and is perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or cozy weekend dinners.
Here’s Why It’s a Must-Try:
✅ Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, everyday ingredients.
✅ Perfect for Families: Kids and adults love the creamy, cheesy flavor!
✅ Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
✅ Customizable: Adjust the protein, pasta, and add-ins to fit your taste.
✅ Total Comfort Food: Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor.
If you’re looking for a classic, no-fail casserole that feels like a warm hug in a dish, this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation.
Now It’s Your Turn!
Try this recipe, snap a photo, and let me know how you customized yours! Did you add veggies, extra cheese, or a different protein? Drop a comment below and let’s talk comfort food! 🍲🔥
Happy cooking! 🎉🧀🍽
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The Best Amish Country Casserole Recipe for a Hearty Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and comforting casserole is packed with savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melty cheese for the ultimate family-friendly dinner. Perfect for busy nights, this easy one-pan meal is cheesy, filling, and loaded with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) golden mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or more, if desired)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the noodles:
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain, but do not rinse, and set aside.
3️⃣ Brown the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully browned.
- Drain excess fat and remove from heat.
4️⃣ Mix the ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, browned beef, tomato soup, golden mushroom soup, milk, dried onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until well mixed.
5️⃣ Assemble & bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes.
6️⃣ Add the cheese & finish baking:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle Colby Jack cheese on top.
- Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7️⃣ Serve & enjoy!
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
✔️ Make it heartier: Add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
✔️ Cheese lovers: Swap in cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor twists!
✔️ Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
✔️ Make-ahead meal: Assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
