Description: A comforting and hearty Amish Sunday Savior Casserole, perfect for family dinners. This recipe combines ground beef, vegetables, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for added flavor)
- Pinch of paprika (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables Begin by washing and chopping the onion, carrots, and celery. Slice the carrots and celery into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Mince the garlic if using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Set these aside.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside. To prevent the noodles from sticking, you can toss them with a little bit of olive oil or butter.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and frozen peas to the skillet with the ground beef and onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots and celery are slightly tender. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and onion powder (if using).
Step 5: Combine Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture, cooked egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the other half for topping). Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is creamy.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Top with Cheese and Bake Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the cheese for added color.
Step 8: Bake Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
Why you will love this recipe
This Amish Sunday Savior Casserole is a delightful meal for several reasons, making it a favorite for family dinners and potlucks. First, it’s incredibly comforting and hearty, perfect for a cozy Sunday evening. The combination of ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mushroom soup creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that appeals to all ages. The egg noodles add a delightful texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Moreover, this casserole is incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal prep time and uses simple, readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. The straightforward instructions make it an ideal recipe for beginner cooks, yet it’s flavorful enough to impress even the most discerning palates.
The versatility of the Amish Sunday Savior Casserole also adds to its appeal. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences by adding different vegetables, such as green beans or corn, or by using a different type of soup, like cream of celery or cream of chicken. This flexibility allows you to create variations that fit your family’s taste and dietary needs.
Lastly, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests. The warm, cheesy, and savory flavors of the Amish Sunday Savior Casserole make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, sure to become a cherished family tradition.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main course.
- Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Accompany with a simple coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Tips:
- To prevent the egg noodles from sticking together, toss them with a little olive oil or butter after cooking.
- For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of milk in the casserole mixture.
- Add a layer of breadcrumbs on top of the cheese for extra crunch.
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or diced mushrooms.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Ensure the beef is thoroughly cooked to prevent any health hazards. Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking to prevent it from being too runny when served. A cooling period of about 5-10 minutes works best.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving) Calories: 350 kcal Protein: 25g Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
The Amish Sunday Savior Casserole is a testament to simple, hearty cooking that brings families together. This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are both comforting and satisfying. Its ease of preparation and customizable nature make it a versatile option for any home cook. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Its rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a taste of Amish tradition with this classic casserole.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. These alternatives are leaner and can provide a slightly different flavor profile. Ensure that you cook the ground turkey or chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?
- The recipe is quite versatile, and you can add a variety of vegetables based on your preference. Good additions include green beans, corn, diced bell peppers, or zucchini. Consider adding about 1 cup of any of these vegetables to the mixture.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prepping. When you’re ready to bake it, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or even a homemade white sauce. To make a simple white sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, and gradually add 1 cup of milk, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- How do I prevent the casserole from being too runny?
- To prevent the casserole from being too runny, make sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef after browning. Also, ensure that the cooked egg noodles are well-drained. Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking will also help it to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
