Amish Beef Macaroni Recipe

Introduction

Amish Beef Macaroni is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that brings together tender ground beef, creamy mushroom gravy, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni in one hearty slow cooker dish. Made with just four simple ingredients, this classic Amish-inspired recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. As it slowly cooks, the rich beef broth and cream of mushroom soup create a savory sauce that coats every bite of pasta and beef. It’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s both easy to prepare and full of homemade flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 16 ounces dry elbow macaroni

Servings: 8

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains. Drain off most of the excess grease, leaving a small amount for flavor.
2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef into a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, spreading it into an even layer.
3. Prepare the Gravy: In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and condensed cream of mushroom soup until mostly smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the ground beef in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat the meat.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours, until the mixture is hot, bubbly, and the flavors have blended together.
6. Add the Macaroni: Stir the beef mixture, then add the dry elbow macaroni. Mix well, making sure all of the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
7. Finish Cooking: Cover and cook on HIGH for 25 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the macaroni is tender but not overcooked. Begin checking the pasta after about 20 minutes, as cooking times may vary by slow cooker.
8. Rest Before Serving: Turn the slow cooker to the WARM setting and let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and cling to the pasta.
9. Serve: Stir once more and serve hot. Enjoy every bowl filled with creamy macaroni, savory beef, and rich mushroom gravy.

Tips

• For a milder flavor, replace 1 cup of the beef broth with water.
• Substitute one can of cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a lighter, creamier taste.
• Use lean ground beef (90–93%) for less grease and a lighter finished dish.
• Check the macaroni early if you prefer firmer pasta.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and enjoy within 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Amish Beef Macaroni is the definition of simple comfort food. With only four everyday ingredients and minimal hands-on preparation, it’s an easy slow cooker recipe that delivers rich, hearty flavor the whole family will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing meals ahead of time, or looking for an affordable dinner that satisfies, this creamy beef and macaroni recipe is sure to earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.