Amish Country Casserole

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.

2. **Cook the Pasta**: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. **Brown the Beef**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

4. **Add the Vegetables**: Add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.

5. **Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings**: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. **Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato mixture. If you’re using peas, add them in at this stage. Stir everything together until well combined.

7. **Add Cheese**: Mix in about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for the topping.

8. **Assemble the Casserole**: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.

9. **Top with Cheese**: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

10. **Bake the Casserole**: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

11. **Serve**: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy this warm, hearty meal!

### **Why Amish Country Casserole Is So Special**

– **A True Comfort Food**: Amish Country Casserole is packed with the flavors that define classic comfort food—tender beef, cheesy goodness, and pasta all coming together in perfect harmony.

– **Quick and Easy**: This casserole is incredibly simple to prepare, with just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights when you need something quick but filling.

– **Family-Friendly**: Kids and adults alike will love the flavors of this casserole. It’s an easy way to get the whole family to sit down and enjoy a meal together.

– **Affordable**: Made with budget-friendly ingredients, this casserole is a great way to stretch your dollar while still enjoying a tasty and filling meal.

### **Serving Suggestions**

– **With a Side Salad**: For a well-rounded meal, serve your Amish Country Casserole with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the casserole beautifully.

– **Garlic Bread**: You can’t go wrong with garlic bread on the side! It’s perfect for sopping up the cheesy, flavorful sauce of the casserole.

– **Pickled Vegetables**: A side of tangy pickled vegetables or even a simple cucumber salad can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.

### **Tips for the Best Amish Country Casserole**

– **Beef Options**: While ground beef is a classic choice for this casserole, you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish. If you want more flavor, try using ground sausage.

– **Add More Vegetables**: If you’d like to sneak in more veggies, consider adding chopped carrots, corn, or even spinach. They’ll blend seamlessly into the dish.

– **Make It Ahead**: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and bake it when you’re ready.

– **Freeze for Later**: You can also freeze Amish Country Casserole for later. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook it, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it heats through.

### **Conclusion**

**Amish Country Casserole** is a simple, comforting, and hearty dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With its combination of beef, cheese, and pasta, this casserole is the perfect meal to feed a crowd or enjoy with your family on a cozy evening. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a potluck, this recipe is sure to please. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious, Amish Country Casserole is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style.