Easy Amish Macaroni Casserole Recipe (With Chicken, Ham, or Beef)

Pictured above is Easy Amish Macaroni Casserole served in a brown bowl.  Photo courtesy of Amish-Heritage.org

This Easy Amish Macaroni Casserole is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Packed with tender macaroni, a creamy sauce, and your choice of chicken, ham, or beef, this dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Make it ahead of time for a stress-free meal!

Preparing this casserole is simple and requires minimal prep. Start by choosing your protein—whether it's chicken, ham, or beef—and ensure it's cooked and seasoned. Mix the meat with milk, cream of mushroom soup, uncooked macaroni, shredded cheese (or Velveeta), chopped onions, green peas, and black pepper. Blend everything together in a bowl and pour into a greased 9x13" baking dish. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bake at 350℉ for about an hour until the macaroni is tender and the casserole is bubbling with creamy goodness. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – A simple mix-and-bake recipe perfect for any skill level.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the night before and bake when ready.

• Versatile Protein Options – Use chicken, ham, or beef to suit your taste.

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – A creamy, cheesy dish everyone will love.

• Great for Leftovers – Refrigerates well for easy reheating later.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and seasoned meat (chicken, cubed ham, or ground beef)

• 2 cups milk

• 2 (10.5 oz.) cans cream of mushroom soup

• 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)

• 2 cups shredded cheese (or cubed Velveeta)

• ¼ cup onion (chopped)

• 1 cup green peas

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the meat by cooking and seasoning it. Use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, cubed ham, or browned and drained ground beef.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, milk, cream of mushroom soup, uncooked macaroni, shredded cheese (or Velveeta), chopped onion, green peas, and black pepper.

3. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined and the macaroni is coated in the creamy mixture.

4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13" baking dish and spread it out evenly.

5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight.

6. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and bake the covered casserole for about an hour, or until the macaroni is tender and the casserole is heated through.

7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Stir, scoop, and enjoy!

Popular Substitutions and Additions

• Different Cheeses – Swap cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a different cheesy flavor.

• Vegetable Add-Ins – Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn for extra texture.

• Cream of Soup Variations – Substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

• Spice it Up – Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.

• Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole without refrigerating overnight?
Yes! While chilling overnight enhances the flavors, you can bake it immediately. Just add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the macaroni cooks through.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Enjoy this hearty and comforting Amish Macaroni Casserole, perfect for any occasion!