Name: Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 12 oz egg noodles or wide pasta; 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional); 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the dish)

Amish Sunday Savior Casserole is a comforting, hearty bake that brings together simple pantry staples in the best way possible. With layers of ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and creamy cottage cheese, it’s the kind of old-fashioned, feel-good dish I love to serve after a long week—or when I need a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole is both filling and comforting, just like something Grandma would’ve made. It’s easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. The rich meat sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy cottage cheese and tender noodles, making every bite warm, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s the ultimate Sunday supper that also works great for leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Egg noodles or wide pasta
Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
Cottage cheese
Sour cream
Cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and black pepper
Dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Butter (for greasing the dish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a large baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until fully cooked, then drain the grease. I stir in tomato sauce (and tomato paste if using), season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, I cook the noodles until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a separate bowl, I mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream, and a pinch of seasoning.
To assemble, I layer half the noodles in the dish, spread half the cottage cheese mixture on top, then half the meat sauce. I repeat the layers and top with shredded cheese.
I cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then I uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people and takes about 1 hour total—20 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for baking and resting.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a flavor change. If I want to sneak in some veggies, I stir in chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce. Using ricotta instead of cottage cheese gives it a smoother texture, and I like to use a mix of cheeses on top for extra melty goodness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, or in the microwave in individual portions. This casserole also freezes well—either unbaked or after baking. I wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to bake, I just add 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely. Ricotta gives a creamier, smoother filling if I prefer that texture.

What’s the best pasta to use?

I like using wide egg noodles, but penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well too. I just make sure not to overcook them before baking.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. I freeze the fully baked casserole or assemble it unbaked and freeze. Both ways reheat well with great flavor.

What can I serve with this?

I usually pair it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or homemade rolls. Garlic bread is a great choice too.

Conclusion

Amish Sunday Savior Casserole is one of those dependable recipes I turn to when I want something hearty, homemade, and full of nostalgic comfort. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and always gets rave reviews at the table. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a midweek lifesaver, this casserole lives up to its name every time.