Hearty Amish Country Casserole with Ground Beef and Noodles

Ingredients

• 450 g ground beef (1 lb)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (295 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (295 g) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or butter for sautéing

Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. The sautéing process helps bring out the natural sweetness of the onion and the aromatic flavor of the garlic.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy and ensure that the beef flavor stands out.
4. Once the beef is cooked and the fat has been drained, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. These soups will form the creamy base for the casserole, adding richness and flavor. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined, and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using) to taste.