Slow Cooker Amish Country Tomato Beef Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Amish Country Tomato Beef Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Layered with ground beef, tomato soup, wide egg noodles, and cheesy sour cream, it creates a rich and satisfying dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
• 2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lightly grease a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker crock with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Spread the raw ground beef evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, breaking it up gently into an even layer. Do not brown it first.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk the condensed tomato soup with 1 cup of water until smooth to thin the sauce.
4. Step 4: Pour the tomato soup mixture evenly over the ground beef, fully covering the meat to form the casserole’s sauce base.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the uncooked egg noodles evenly over the tomato-covered beef layer, then gently press them down so they settle slightly into the sauce.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until combined. Dollop and spread this mixture over the noodles in a loose layer.
7. Step 7: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until beef is cooked, noodles are tender, and casserole is bubbly. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
8. Step 8: When done, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let sit on LOW or WARM for about 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
9. Step 9: Gently stir from the edges toward the center to mix layers lightly. Season with salt and black pepper if desired, then serve hot directly from the slow cooker.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean ground turkey for a lighter version of this casserole.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the beef flavor.
• For a creamier texture, stir in an extra half cup of sour cream before serving.
• If you prefer, substitute mild cheddar with sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for a different taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato soup?

Using fresh tomatoes will change the texture and flavor; tomato soup adds creaminess and thickness essential to the sauce. To substitute, cook fresh tomatoes down and add a thickener like tomato paste, but results may vary.

Do I need to pre-cook the noodles?

No, the uncooked wide egg noodles cook perfectly in the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Make sure not to lift the lid too often, as this can affect cooking time and texture.