Name: Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Comfort food doesn’t get more soul-soothing than this Amish Sunday Savior Casserole. Overflowing with cheesy macaroni, hearty ground beef, and a golden baked top that cracks with each scoop, this dish is a taste of Sunday supper nostalgia at its finest. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with warmth and calls the family to the table before it even hits the plate.

Inspired by traditional Amish recipes, this casserole brings together simple pantry staples in the most satisfying way. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a fuss-free weeknight dinner, this dish delivers rich flavor, creamy texture, and that unmistakable homemade charm. Once you take your first bite, it’s easy to understand why it’s earned the name “Sunday Savior.”

Why You’ll Love This Amish Sunday Savior Casserole

One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes in one casserole pan for easy prep and cleanup.
Comforting Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with seasoned beef, it hits every comfort food note.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as amazing the next day (if there’s any left!).
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or cozy family dinners.
Customizable: Add veggies or spice it up with seasoning blends to make it your own.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this dish, gather your tools to streamline the process. Each item below plays a key role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor:

Large Skillet or Saute Pan: Essential for browning the ground beef and blending in the spices evenly.
Mixing Bowl: To combine your cooked pasta, beef, cheese, and sauce before layering.
Casserole Dish (9×13-inch): The heart of this recipe. It allows for even baking and that perfect cheese crust on top.
Colander: For draining the macaroni to avoid soggy results.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps fold everything together gently without breaking up the macaroni.
Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during the first part of baking to lock in moisture before crisping the top.

Ingredients for the Amish Sunday Savior Casserole

Each ingredient in this comforting casserole serves a delicious purpose. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Elbow Macaroni: The classic base, its hollow shape holds sauce beautifully.
Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and rich flavor that defines the dish.
Onion: Brings depth and mild sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the meat mixture with warm, aromatic flavor.
Salt & Pepper: The essential duo that sharpens and ties all flavors together.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Acts as the creamy binder, offering umami and smooth texture.
Milk: Helps loosen the soup and adds a silky creaminess to the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): For melt, tang, and golden bubbling top perfection.
Paprika (Optional): Sprinkled on top for a mild smoky note and color.

How To Make the Amish Sunday Savior Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside. You want the pasta to have a little bite—it will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef & Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Blend the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it begins to melt into the mixture.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Add the cooked macaroni and seasoned beef mixture into the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to combine until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and dust lightly with paprika if using.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set up just right.

How to Serve and Store Amish Sunday Savior Casserole

Serve this casserole piping hot, right out of the oven. Pair it with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or homemade rolls for a balanced and hearty meal. It’s especially satisfying on chilly evenings or as the centerpiece for a casual Sunday dinner.

To store, allow leftovers to cool completely. Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, a splash of milk or cream helps revive that creamy texture. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells work well too. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t over-soften during baking.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Yes. You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery, or make your own roux-based sauce if you prefer homemade.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely. Peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers are great additions. Just make sure they’re cooked or canned so they soften nicely during baking.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also mix in a bit of diced jalapeño for a bold kick.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes and add 5–10 extra minutes of bake time.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat in the oven at 325°F covered with foil for 15–20 minutes. For a quick option, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you loved the rich, creamy goodness of this Amish Sunday Savior Casserole, here are a few more comforting dishes to keep in your rotation:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with layers of cheesy, saucy pasta indulgence.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a cozy twist on classic flavors.
Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole if you’re craving a heartier, hands-off meal.
Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for a veggie-packed version.
Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe to pair with any main dish or enjoy as a side.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it anytime you need a quick, hearty crowd-pleaser.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with the classic or make it your own with spicy heat or veggie add-ins?

I love seeing how your kitchens bring these recipes to life. Have questions? I’m always happy to help—let’s keep cooking together.

For more daily comfort food inspiration, follow me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate.

Amish Sunday Savior Casserole

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole is the ultimate comfort food made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a rich mushroom sauce. Perfect for Sunday dinner or a weeknight meal, this hearty casserole is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and freezer-ready. Try this traditional Amish-style recipe today!