Amish Country Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles (or macaroni)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is softened.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, cooked egg noodles, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, peas, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

1. Prepare the Topping:

• In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

1. Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Variations: Add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor, or mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

This Amish Country Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at a potluck. Enjoy this hearty dish! 🍲🧀