Imagine a hearty, mouthwatering meal that combines the rustic charm of Amish country cooking with the modern convenience of an Instant Pot. This Amish Country Casserole is not just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular one-pot wonder that will have your family begging for seconds! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, tender egg noodles, and melted cheese in a way that's both nostalgic and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion, measuring out spices, and gathering all components.
- Turn on Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until beef is completely browned and onions are translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to ensure a lighter, less greasy dish.
- Add diced tomatoes, corn, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Add uncooked egg noodles on top of the mixture, gently pressing them into the liquid but not stirring.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure to prevent overcooking the noodles.
- Open lid and quickly stir the casserole to distribute noodles evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the entire surface.
- Cover Instant Pot and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt completely.
- Serve hot, directly from the Instant Pot, portioning into individual servings.
Tips
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure the perfect texture.
- When adding noodles, don't stir them in – gently press them into the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Be precise with the cooking time to prevent mushy noodles – 4 minutes of high-pressure cooking is the sweet spot.
- Perform a quick release immediately after cooking to stop the noodles from overcooking.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor experience.
- For extra flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses or adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- This recipe is incredibly forgiving – feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
