Amish Sunday Savior Casserole: A Comforting Classic

Introduction

If you’re craving a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this Amish Sunday Savior Casserole with Ground Beef hits the spot. With tender noodles, savory beef, creamy sauce, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, this casserole is a satisfying solution that’s sure to be requested again and again.

What makes this casserole truly special is its simplicity and versatility. The ingredients are easy to find, the preparation is straightforward, and the final result is a creamy, cheesy, and savory delight. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step to create this dish, along with expert tips, variations, storage recommendations, and serving ideas. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Amish casserole:

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups egg noodles, cooked and drained
• 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft (about 3–4 minutes), then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• Cooked ground beef
• Cooked egg noodles
• Sautéed onions and garlic
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Whole milk
• Salt, pepper, and paprika

Mix everything together until evenly coated and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour in the casserole mixture and spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Then, top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with dried parsley if desired, and serve warm.dded flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Making Amish Sunday Savior Casserole

Making a perfect Amish Sunday Savior Casserole is easy when you follow these helpful tips. From ingredient swaps to cooking techniques, these suggestions will ensure your casserole turns out delicious every time.

1. Use Ground Beef or Chicken—Your Choice:
While the original version may call for chicken, ground beef works just as well and adds a rich, savory flavor. Just make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.

2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles:
Cook your egg noodles until just al dente, since they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles may turn mushy in the final bake.

3. Add More Vegetables if You Like:
Feel free to toss in extra frozen veggies like green beans, corn, or spinach. It’s a great way to add color and nutrition to the dish.

4. Make It Ahead:
You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

5. Swap the Soup:
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or even cream of celery are great substitutes.

6. Make It Extra Cheesy:
Add a bit of mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese to the cheddar topping for an extra gooey layer.

7. Crisp Up the Topping:
For an extra-crispy topping, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

8. Let It Rest Before Serving:
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.

Variations to Try

• Protein Swap: Use cooked ground beef or turkey instead of chicken for a heartier twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a more dynamic flavor.
• Cracker Substitute: Use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or French fried onions instead of buttery crackers for a different texture.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigerating Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing for Later

This casserole freezes well! To freeze:

• Let it cool completely.
• Wrap the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions into airtight freezer containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• If refrigerated, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, covering with foil for the first half of baking to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this comforting casserole with any of the following:

• Fresh Green Salad – A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Buttery Dinner Rolls – Soft, warm rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables – Simple sides like steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition.
• Homemade Applesauce – A sweet Amish classic that complements the savory flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute the Ground beef with:

• Turkey (great for leftovers)
• chicken (cooked and drained)

2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

3. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer a homemade option, make a quick substitute:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth and milk until thickened.

4. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free egg noodles and replace the crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Also, ensure your soup is gluten-free.

5. Can I add more cheese?

Of course! Try adding:

• Mozzarella for extra gooeyness
• Parmesan for a nutty, salty boost
• Colby Jack for a mild, creamy taste

6. What side dishes go well with this casserole?

Serve it with:

• A fresh garden salad for balance
• Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
• Homemade dinner rolls or cornbread

7. Can I bake this in a different-sized dish?

Yes! A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal, but you can also use two smaller baking dishes or a deep-dish casserole. Adjust baking time if using a thicker or shallower dish.

8. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute:

• Dairy-free sour cream
• Almond or oat milk instead of whole milk
• Dairy-free shredded cheese

This keeps it creamy while making it suitable for lactose-intolerant eaters.

9. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Mix everything and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours. Add the cheese and cracker topping in the last 30 minutes to keep it crispy.

10. Can I add eggs to this casserole?

While not traditional, whisked eggs (2-3) can be added to bind the casserole more firmly. This works well if you prefer a denser texture.

Final Thoughts

The Amish Sunday Savior Casserole is a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can create a deeply satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or as a meal prep option, this dish never disappoints.

With its creamy filling, savory chicken, tender noodles, and crispy, cheesy topping, this casserole is pure comfort food at its best. Plus, the variations and storage options make it even more versatile. Give this recipe a try, and it just might become a new favorite in your home!

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