Hearty Amish Casserole

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When I first tasted Hearty Amish Casserole, I instantly knew it had earned a permanent spot in my comfort food collection. There’s something nostalgic and deeply satisfying about the combination of tender pasta, rich ground beef, creamy sauce, and a golden, cheesy topping. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table — no questions asked — and disappears before you know it. The hearty, humble ingredients come together in a way that feels both rustic and indulgent.

I love how effortlessly this casserole feeds a crowd while still offering that homemade feel. Whether it’s for a potluck, a family dinner, or a weeknight when I just need something dependable and delicious, this recipe never lets me down. The best part? It’s easy to make ahead, freezes beautifully, and tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Amish Casserole

This casserole is a winning blend of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness. You get the satisfying bite of ground beef, the comforting richness of a creamy tomato base, and the irresistible pull of melted cheese. It’s simple enough for weeknights, yet special enough for guests. Plus, it uses pantry staples, making it as budget-friendly as it is delicious.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Hearty Amish Casserole?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work perfectly. They hold the sauce well and add just the right texture. I prefer using rotini because the spirals catch every bit of that creamy meat sauce and gooey cheese. If you only have one type on hand, don’t stress—this recipe is very forgiving.

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Options for Substitutions

You can easily adjust the recipe to suit what you have. Swap ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. If you’re avoiding dairy, use a plant-based cheese and a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. Prefer a kick? Add red pepper flakes or swap cheddar for pepper jack. You can even add veggies like chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrients without changing the comfort-food factor.

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Ingredients for this Hearty Amish Casserole

• Ground beef: This is the base protein of the casserole, bringing richness and deep, meaty flavor.
• Onion: Adds a layer of savory sweetness and helps build depth in the sauce.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves brighten and intensify the dish’s overall flavor.
• Tomato sauce: Provides acidity and a smooth texture that binds the beef mixture together.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This classic casserole ingredient delivers creaminess and umami.
• Sour cream: Balances the tomato and adds a slight tangy note to the sauce.
• Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape grabs onto the sauce, ensuring each bite is loaded with flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden crust on top and adds gooey, cheesy richness.
• Salt & pepper: Essential to bring out all the other flavors in the dish.
• Chopped chives or parsley (optional): For garnish and a fresh touch of color.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it here.

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Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat and stir in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Mix well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl or directly in the casserole dish, gently toss the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture until evenly coated. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

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Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. You can add extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.

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Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden around the edges.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh pop of color and added flavor.

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How Long to Prepare the Hearty Amish Casserole

Preparing this dish is pleasantly straightforward, and the timing makes it a great option for busy days. The prep time is around 20 minutes, which includes cooking the pasta, browning the beef, and mixing the sauce. If you pre-chop your onions or use pre-shredded cheese, you could cut this down even more.

The baking time adds another 30–35 minutes, with 20 minutes covered and 10–15 minutes uncovered to get that golden cheese crust. Overall, you’re looking at a total time of 50–55 minutes, with only about half of that being active cooking.

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Tips for Perfect Hearty Amish Casserole

• Don’t overcook the pasta before baking. It should be al dente to avoid getting mushy in the oven.
• Drain the beef well after browning to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Layer the cheese generously, especially if you love a bubbly, golden top.
• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set and keeps it from falling apart when served.
• Double the recipe and freeze half — it reheats beautifully and makes weeknight meals effortless.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too much sour cream can overpower the sauce — stick to the recommended amount.
• Not seasoning enough — taste your beef mixture before assembling to make sure it’s flavorful.
• Skipping the foil for the first bake can dry out the top layer. Covering it helps retain moisture.
• Using low-fat cheese might not melt as well or give the desired gooey texture.
• Overbaking can make the dish dry. Keep an eye during the last 10 minutes.

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What to Serve With Hearty Amish Casserole?

1. Steamed Green Beans

Their bright flavor and light texture offer the perfect contrast to the casserole’s richness.

2. Crusty Garlic Bread

Ideal for soaking up every bit of sauce left on the plate.

3. Mixed Green Salad

A refreshing side with vinaigrette can help balance the dish’s creamy depth.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Add some caramelized crunch and earthy notes to your meal.

5. Apple Slaw

Sweet and tangy, it’s a great palate cleanser between bites of savory casserole.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

This casserole freezes very well. Wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through.

Reheating:

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes. For larger portions, use the oven for best texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving; based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef with lentils, plant-based crumbles, or sauteed mushrooms.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, just avoid long noodles. Any short pasta like penne, shells, or bowtie will work well.

Is this casserole spicy?

Not at all — it’s very mild. You can spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mix.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.

What kind of cheese can I substitute for cheddar?

Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, or a blend all work well for different flavors and melt qualities.

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Conclusion

Hearty Amish Casserole is a timeless, crowd-pleasing meal that combines everything we love about comfort food — creamy, cheesy, meaty, and incredibly satisfying. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners, flexible enough to adapt to your taste, and makes amazing leftovers. Once you try it, it might just become a regular in your meal rotation!

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