Amish Country Casserole

This Amish Country Casserole is the epitome of comforting, homestyle cooking. Simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying dish featuring savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, tender macaroni, and a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal that promises warmth and flavor with every spoonful.

Amish Country Casserole

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Browning the Beef & Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown the 1 lb ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is mostly browned, add the 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the beef is fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
2. Adding Tomato Sauce: Pour in the 2 cups tomato sauce to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine. Allow the flavors to meld by simmering the sauce with the beef for 5-7 minutes over low to medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cooking Macaroni: In a separate pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a boil. Add the 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture (firm to the bite). Drain the macaroni thoroughly and add it directly to the beef and tomato sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
4. Layering with Cheese: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Transfer the macaroni and beef mixture evenly into a baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish works well, or equivalent). Sprinkle generous amounts of the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
5. Baking to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden brown and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly. Serve the Amish Country Casserole hot, and enjoy the wholesome, comforting flavors!