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Back before the instant pot came into my life one of my favorite freeze ahead recipes was Amish Country casserole. It’s cheap, easy, and reminiscent of hamburger helper. I’ve adapted the recipe using the instant pot which makes it even easier.

If you don’t already have an instant pot, get one here.

You will need:

• 3 lbs ground beef (Aldi – $7.20)
• 1 bag egg noodles (Aldi – $1.35)
• 1 box beef broth (Aldi – $1.25)
• 2 cans cream of mushroom ($0.98)
• 2 cans tomato soup ($0.98)
• Splash of Worcestershire
• Season as desired (I used salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced onion)
• Sprinkle with cheese optional (I used grated Parmesan and shredded Colby)
• Aluminum baking pan
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

• Add ground beef to instant pot and sprinkle with seasonings of your choice. Brown on sauté setting and drain.
• Return beef to instant pot. Add box of beef broth and 2 cups of water.
• Add bag of noodles and stir until all the noodles are coated.
• Smash the noodles down into the liquid. you will hear the noodles crack.
• Place the lid on sealed and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Quick release.
• Add tomato and cream of mushroom soup. Add generous splash and Worcestershire sauce and stir until all contents are well mixed.
• Place half on casserole into an aluminum pan. Sprinkle with desired cheeses. Cover w/ aluminum foil, write directions (see below), and freeze.
• Serve remaining casserole covered with cheese of your choice.

Freeze Ahead Instructions:

• Thaw overnight in refrigerator
• Bake at 350 for 30 minutes

In total I made 2 dinners for $11.76 using Aldi ingredients, add some change for seasoning and garnishes. Our family (two adults and one toddler) will have enough leftovers to eat on another day so we squeezed 4 meals out of this coming in at $2.94 a meal. Even with a larger family $5.88 a meal is cheap, y’all!