Mix canned lima beans and these 2 ingredients over uncooked elbow macaroni into a casserole dish for a meal you'll crave over and over

This oven baked 4-ingredient Amish-style lima bean macaroni casserole is the kind of simple, comforting dish that fits right into busy family life. It uses pantry staples—canned lima beans, uncooked elbow macaroni, and just two more everyday ingredients—to make a hearty, no-fuss meal that bakes up creamy and cozy. It’s inspired by the straightforward, thrifty cooking you still see at small-town church potlucks and Amish-style diners across the Midwest, where a few simple ingredients are stretched into something everyone goes back for seconds on.

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven, with a simple green side like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a tossed salad to balance the creaminess. Warm dinner rolls or buttered toast are perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. For a heartier table, add sliced fresh tomatoes or a quick cucumber salad for crunch and freshness. A little applesauce on the side is a very Midwestern touch that kids and adults usually love.

Servings: 6

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a bit of oil or nonstick spray so the macaroni doesn’t stick.

Spread the uncooked elbow macaroni evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Shake the dish a little so the macaroni settles into a flat layer.

In a medium bowl, stir together the drained canned lima beans and the condensed cream of mushroom soup until everything is well coated. This is your simple sauce mixture.

Pour the lima bean and soup mixture over the uncooked macaroni in the casserole dish. Use a spoon or your hands to gently mix and spread it so the macaroni is as evenly covered as possible. You want the sauce and beans to sink down among the pasta.

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for later.

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap steam so the uncooked elbow macaroni softens in the oven.

Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, until the pasta is tender when you poke a piece with a fork. If it looks too dry at any point, you can carefully stir in 1/4–1/2 cup of hot water or milk and re-cover.

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.

Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving so it can set up a bit and is easier to scoop. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy lima beans and tender macaroni together.

For picky eaters, you can mash some of the lima beans lightly with a fork before mixing them with the soup so they blend into the sauce more and are less noticeable. If your family prefers a milder flavor, use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of mushroom. To add protein, stir 1–2 cups of cooked shredded chicken or diced ham into the lima bean and soup mixture before pouring it over the macaroni. For extra creaminess, you can stir in up to 1/2 cup of milk or half-and-half with the soup and beans. If you like a little crunch on top, add a handful of crushed butter crackers or plain breadcrumbs over the cheese for the last 10 minutes of baking. To make it vegetarian-friendly, be sure to choose a condensed soup that is clearly labeled vegetarian, as many cream soups contain chicken stock. Food safety tips: Always drain the canned lima beans to remove excess sodium and liquid, and never taste the casserole until it has been fully heated through in the oven, especially if you add meats or dairy. If you add cooked meat, make sure it was properly refrigerated and not left at room temperature for more than 2 hours before using. Leftovers should be cooled, covered, and refrigerated within 2 hours of baking and eaten within 3–4 days, reheating until steaming hot all the way through.