Amish Comfort Layers

Here is a complete step‑by‑step recipe for a hearty Amish‑style layered casserole often called “Comfort Layers” (or similarly “Amish Country Casserole”). You can adjust quantities for your number of servings.

Ingredients (for approx. 8 servings)

• 1 lb (≈ 450 g) ground beef

• 12 oz (≈ 340 g) wide egg noodles

• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced

• 1 can (10.5‑ounce) condensed tomato soup (undiluted)

• 1 can (10.5‑ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)

• 1 cup (240 ml) milk

• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ tsp garlic powder (or ¼‑½ tsp minced garlic)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¼ cup (≈ 25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• (Optional) ½ tsp paprika or ½ tsp dried oregano for seasoning

Equipment

• 9×13‑inch (≈ 23×33 cm) baking dish

• Large pot for boiling noodles

• Large skillet for browning meat

• Mixing bowl

• Oven preheated to 350°F (≈ 175°C)

Method – Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (~175 °C). Lightly spray or grease your 9×13‑inch baking dish.

2. Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and the sliced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened; drain off any excess fat.

4. To the beef + onion mixture, stir in the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper (and optional paprika/oregano). Mix until well combined.

5. In the prepared baking dish, layer the ingredients: first spread the cooked noodles evenly. Then pour the beef‑soup mixture over the noodles and stir gently so the mixture is evenly distributed.

6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

7. Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25‑30 minutes (or until heated through and bubbly).

8. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving (this helps it set and makes it easier to cut/serve).

9. Serve hot. A side salad, steamed green beans or some dinner rolls make good accompaniments.

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten it.

• If you like extra veggies, you could stir in diced green pepper, mushrooms or carrots when you cook the onion.

• For a cheesy topping, you can add 1 cup shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese in step 6 just before baking.

• Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for 3‑4 days. You may reheat in the oven or microwave.

• Freezing is possible once cooled; thaw overnight in the fridge then bake until hot.

• To avoid mushy noodles, don’t overcook them in step 2—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.