Traditional Amish baked casseroles

Traditional Amish baked casseroles are hearty, comforting oven-baked dishes rooted in simple ingredients, slow living, and family-style cooking. This recipe highlights why Traditional Amish baked casseroles remain so useful today, they are budget-friendly, filling, easy to prepare ahead, and perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients for Traditional Amish baked casseroles

To create an authentic and satisfying Traditional Amish baked casseroles dish, you’ll need simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that work together to create rich flavor and texture.

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• Optional topping: 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs

These ingredients reflect the simplicity Amish cooking is known for—nothing fancy, just wholesome foods that bake into something deeply comforting.

How to Make Traditional Amish baked casseroles

Traditional Amish baked casseroles are loved because they’re incredibly easy to assemble, require minimal prep, and bake into a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal. The layered ingredients slowly cook together, creating tender potatoes, savory meat, and a velvety sauce. Total preparation time is about 20 minutes, with 75–90 minutes of baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, melted butter, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried parsley. Whisk until smooth. This creamy mixture is the heart of Traditional Amish baked casseroles and gives the dish its signature richness.

Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to season every layer.

Step 5: Add the Meat and Cheese
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer for added flavor.

Step 6: Add the Sauce
Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the layers, using a spoon to ensure it seeps down into the potatoes.

Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Add the remaining sliced potatoes, followed by the rest of the sauce. Gently press the layers down with a spatula to help everything settle evenly.

Step 8: Top and Cover
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. If using crackers or breadcrumbs, add them now for a crunchy topping. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 9: Bake Slowly
Bake covered for 60 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Amish baked casseroles

Traditional Amish baked casseroles shine because of their creamy, slow-baked texture and deeply comforting flavor. Every bite offers tender potatoes, savory meat, and melted cheese, making it just as satisfying as classic scalloped potatoes but heartier and more filling. It’s the kind of meal that warms the kitchen and brings everyone to the table.

Making Traditional Amish baked casseroles at home also saves money compared to store-bought meals or restaurant casseroles. Using basic ingredients like potatoes, soup, and ground beef keeps costs low while delivering big flavor. The cheesy topping and optional buttery cracker crust add extra comfort—try it at home and experience why this dish has stood the test of time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Traditional Amish baked casseroles freeze well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, or warm the full dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Final Thoughts

Traditional Amish baked casseroles are a timeless comfort food that combines simplicity, affordability, and rich homemade flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Try it at home and enjoy a taste of classic Amish-inspired comfort straight from your oven.

Discover our easy Amish rolls and loaves recipe for soft, homemade bread.
For more traditional Amish recipes and inspiration, visit our Pinterest board.