How to Make an Easy Amish Pasta Bake
How to Make an Easy Amish Pasta Bake is a easy American (Pennsylvania Amish) recipe that serves 6. 357 calories per serving. Recipe by Kells Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min
Cost: $32.36 total, $5.39 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Tomato Soup (regular canned tomato soup)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Cream of Mushroom Soup (regular canned cream of mushroom soup)
- 0.5 tablespoon Garlic (minced fresh garlic)
- 1 whole White Onion (medium, diced)
- to taste Salt (adds seasoning, use sparingly because soups are salty)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio; can use 90/10)
- 1 box (12 oz) Rainbow Rotini Pasta (any short pasta shape works; can use regular rotini or spaghetti broken into pieces)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese (can substitute cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (sweet paprika; smoked paprika optional for smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT5M
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
Time: PT8M
Combine Soups, Pasta, and Beef Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two cans of tomato soup and the two cans of cream of mushroom soup. Add the cooked beef and onion mixture, then stir in the uncooked rainbow rotini. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Lightly grease the 9x13‑inch baking dish and pour the casserole mixture into it, spreading evenly with the spatula.
Time: PT2M
Add Cheese and Paprika
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the top, then dust with the teaspoon of sweet paprika.
Time: PT2M
Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest 2 minutes, then sprinkle the dried parsley over the top. Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 357
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Fat
- 19 g
- Fiber
- 1.3 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, High protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy (possible in canned soups)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Tomato Soup: homemade tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes blended
- Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup: homemade mushroom sauce, cream of chicken soup
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of White Onion: yellow onion, shallots
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Rainbow Rotini Pasta: regular rotini, penne, spaghetti broken into thirds
- Instead of Cheddar Jack Cheese: shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, Mexican blend cheese
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika, chili powder
- Instead of Dried Parsley: fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Baking Dish (9x13 inch)
- Oven
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cheese Grater (optional)
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk the two soups together thoroughly before adding pasta.
- Ensure the ground beef is fully browned for maximum flavor.
- Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Toast the paprika briefly in a dry pan to intensify its aroma before sprinkling.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef for a subtle heat.
Troubleshooting
Casserole is dry after baking.
Stir in an extra ¼ cup of milk or an additional splash of tomato soup before baking.
Cheese does not melt or brown.
Cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover for the final 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown.
Pasta is undercooked.
Increase the bake time by 5‑10 minutes, or pre‑boil the pasta for 2 minutes before mixing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe containers, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to the cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5‑10 minutes to the bake time.
- The dish freezes well; thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Amish Pasta Casserole in Pennsylvania Amish cuisine?
Amish Pasta Casserole reflects the community’s tradition of hearty, one‑pot meals that make use of pantry staples like canned soups and inexpensive ground meat, providing a filling dinner for large families.
What are the traditional regional variations of Amish Pasta Casserole in the broader American Midwest cuisine?
In some Midwestern Amish households the dish is made with cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom, and the pasta may be replaced with egg noodles; cheese choices also vary from cheddar‑jack to a simple mozzarella topping.
How is Amish Pasta Casserole traditionally served in Pennsylvania Amish gatherings?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, often accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables, and eaten with a fork and knife at family tables or community pot‑lucks.
What occasions or celebrations is Amish Pasta Casserole traditionally associated with in Amish culture?
The casserole is a popular choice for Sunday family meals, church socials, and holiday gatherings such as Christmas and Thanksgiving because it can be prepared in advance and feeds many people.
How does Amish Pasta Casserole fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
It embodies classic American comfort food traits—creamy sauce, cheese topping, and a baked pasta base—while showcasing the Amish emphasis on simple, economical ingredients and communal dining.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Amish Pasta Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include canned tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, ground beef, rainbow rotini, and cheddar‑jack cheese. Acceptable substitutes are homemade tomato sauce, mushroom cream sauce, ground turkey, any short pasta shape, and other meltable cheeses.
What other Pennsylvania Amish dishes pair well with Amish Pasta Casserole?
Side dishes such as buttered green beans, Amish potato salad, or a simple coleslaw complement the rich casserole and balance the meal with fresh crunch.
What makes Amish Pasta Casserole special or unique in Amish cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the use of canned soups as a quick, creamy base, allowing a flavorful, filling dish without the need for elaborate sauces—a hallmark of Amish resourceful cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Amish Pasta Casserole at home?
Common errors include under‑mixing the soups, over‑cooking the pasta before baking, and using too much salt because the canned soups are already seasoned.
Why does this Amish Pasta Casserole recipe use canned tomato and mushroom soups instead of a homemade sauce?
The canned soups provide a quick, consistent creaminess and reflect the Amish tradition of using pantry staples for convenience, while still delivering a rich flavor profile.
Can I make Amish Pasta Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to the cheese topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What does the YouTube channel Kells Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kells Kitchen specializes in approachable, family‑friendly American comfort‑food recipes, often featuring quick weeknight meals and classic casserole dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Kells Kitchen's approach to Amish cooking differ from other American cooking channels?
Kells Kitchen focuses on authentic regional recipes like Amish dishes, emphasizing simple ingredient lists, step‑by‑step explanations, and practical tips for home cooks, whereas many other channels prioritize trendy or gourmet presentations.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
