Amish Country Creamy Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 340 g wide egg noodles
02 - 450 g lean ground beef
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Creamy Sauce Base

05 - 1 can (298 g) condensed tomato soup
06 - 1 can (298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 - 240 ml milk
08 - 240 ml sour cream
09 - 5 ml Worcestershire sauce
10 - 5 ml paprika
11 - 2.5 ml salt
12 - 2.5 ml black pepper

→ Optional Topping

13 - 240 ml shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 120 ml breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add egg noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in the condensed tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
04 - Add the drained cooked noodles to the beef and sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir gently until all the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
05 - Preheat your oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish. Pour the noodle and beef mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
06 - If desired, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top of the casserole mixture.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before portioning and serving.

# Notes:

01 - Avoid overcooking noodles initially; they will continue to soften during the baking process in the oven.
02 - This casserole is suitable for make-ahead preparation: assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
03 - For long-term storage, prepare the casserole, cover with foil, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, place directly from frozen into the oven and add approximately 20 minutes to the cook time.
04 - Enhance nutritional value and flavor by mixing in vegetables such as peas, green beans, sliced mushrooms, or corn.
05 - For a richer cheese profile, consider using a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby cheeses.
06 - To create a chicken-based version, substitute the ground beef with an equal amount of shredded rotisserie chicken.
07 - For a leaner alternative, swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey.
08 - A vegetarian option can be prepared by replacing the beef with sautéed mushrooms, cooked lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles.
09 - Introduce a spicy kick by adding finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
10 - For a healthier modification, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and opt for whole-wheat pasta.

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