Description
Hearty Amish Comfort Bake brings rustic Pennsylvania Dutch charm to dinner tables with its rich, layered casserole of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery noodles. Home cooks savor this traditional recipe that wraps family warmth into one satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
- 2 cups (224 grams) egg noodles, cooked
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the comfort casserole.
- In a spacious skillet, sizzle ground beef and diced onions over medium heat, breaking the meat into fine crumbles until completely cooked through. Eliminate any excess grease by carefully draining the skillet.
- Introduce cream of mushroom soup and whole milk to the beef mixture, gently stirring until ingredients harmonize into a creamy base.
- Fold tender egg noodles and colorful mixed vegetables into the savory mixture, ensuring each component is evenly distributed and coated with the rich sauce.
- Coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, then transfer the hearty mixture, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Generously blanket the top with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melted crown for the casserole.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a perfectly melted, golden-brown cheese topping that signals the dish is ready to serve.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, which saves precious time during busy weeknights.
- Fat reduction: Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to decrease overall calorie and fat content without compromising flavor.
- Vegetable flexibility: Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal produce or your family’s favorite vegetables for personalized nutrition.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella, pepper jack, or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles.
- Creamy texture tip: Use low-fat milk or half-and-half to maintain the rich, comforting consistency while reducing calories.
- Storage wisdom: Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven, making excellent next-day lunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg