There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole to bring comfort to your dinner table. Amish Hamburger Casserole is one of those classic dishes that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s hearty, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients that come together in a way that will make you and your family crave it again and again.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion, this casserole is the answer. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish for a potluck, Amish Hamburger Casserole never fails to impress. Let’s explore how to make this crowd-pleasing classic step-by-step!
What is Amish Hamburger Casserole?
Amish Hamburger Casserole is a layered dish made with tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese mixture, and a savory tomato sauce. The layers are baked until bubbly and golden, creating a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. This recipe is inspired by the simplicity and flavor of Amish cooking, which is all about using fresh, wholesome ingredients to make delicious and comforting meals.
Why You’ll Love Amish Hamburger Casserole
- Easy to Make: Perfect for beginners or when you need a no-fuss meal.
- Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors everyone loves, from the creamy cheese to the rich tomato sauce.
- Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
- Hearty and Filling: A complete meal with protein, carbs, and veggies.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to include your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients for Amish Hamburger Casserole
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wide egg noodles | 8 ounces |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 ounces |
| Cottage cheese | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Salted butter, melted | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground beef | 1 1/2 pounds |
| Diced onion | 1/2 cup |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1/2 |
| Diced tomatoes, drained | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Condensed tomato soup | 3/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Shredded cheese (any type) | 1 cup |
| Fresh herbs (for garnish) | As needed |
Why These Ingredients Work Together
- Egg Noodles: The perfect base that soaks up the sauce and provides a tender bite.
- Cheese Mixture: A creamy layer made of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream that adds richness to the dish.
- Ground Beef: Adds protein and hearty flavor to every bite.
- Tomato Sauce and Veggies: The combination of tomato soup, diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers creates a flavorful, savory sauce.
- Shredded Cheese: Melts on top, creating a bubbly, golden crust.
How to Prepare Your Ingredients
To make the cooking process smoother, it’s essential to prep everything ahead of time:
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Soften the Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces for even cooking.
- Measure the Sauce Ingredients: Drain the diced tomatoes and combine them with the condensed tomato soup and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Amish Hamburger Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Cook the Beef and Veggies
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are softened.
- Mix in the drained diced tomatoes, condensed tomato soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and melted butter.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Spread half of the cooked egg noodles on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Spread half of the ground beef and tomato mixture on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
5. Add the Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top layer.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Amish Hamburger Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs well with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal:
- Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for freshness.
- Bread: A slice of garlic bread or dinner rolls is perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Veggies: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus add a healthy balance.
Tips for the Perfect Amish Hamburger Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Al dente noodles work best as they continue to cook in the oven.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged options.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
FAQs About Amish Hamburger Casserole
1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or even macaroni can work as substitutes for egg noodles.
2. How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and ensure the condensed soup is gluten-free as well.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are great additions to the casserole.
6. What type of cheese works best for the topping?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses all melt beautifully and add flavor.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic to Try Today
Amish Hamburger Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone to the table. With its creamy layers, hearty beef, and cheesy topping, it’s a recipe that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
Print
Amish Hamburger Casserole: A Comforting, Hearty Meal
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Amish Hamburger Casserole combines tender egg noodles, creamy cheeses, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce into one satisfying dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it’s easy to make, delicious, and guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 3/4 cup condensed tomato soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or your favorite blend)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Egg Noodles:
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and melted butter.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Beef and Veggies:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
- Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Add half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it out evenly.
- Layer half of the beef and tomato mixture on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and beef mixture.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top layer of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
- Freezer Option: This dish freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- Cheese Variations: Use Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
- Additional Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
