My dad requests this every time he visits during summer. Garden fresh ingredients and old fashioned cooking methods never fail.

This slow cooker 5-ingredient Amish wax bean noodle bake is exactly the kind of old-fashioned comfort food my dad asks for every time he visits in the summer. It’s inspired by simple Amish farmhouse cooking: garden-fresh wax beans, tender egg noodles, and a buttery cream sauce, all baked together low and slow until everything melds into a cozy, golden casserole. The best part is that it feels like something your grandma might have made, but it fits right into a busy weekday because the slow cooker does all the work while you’re at your desk or running errands.

Serve this wax bean noodle bake straight from the slow cooker with a big green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, plus sliced garden tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for that true summer feel. It also pairs really well with grilled chicken or smoked sausage if you want to add protein, and a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the buttery cream sauce. For a lighter meal, I’ll just scoop a generous bowl and add some fresh herbs on top, then serve cold watermelon or berries for dessert.

Servings: 6

4 cups fresh wax beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Lightly grease a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker crock with a bit of butter or nonstick spray to help prevent sticking.

Spread the trimmed and cut fresh wax beans in an even layer on the bottom of the slow cooker. These will soften slowly and soak up the buttery cream, just like an old-fashioned garden bean bake.

Scatter the uncooked wide egg noodles evenly over the wax beans. Do not stir; keeping the layers helps the noodles cook evenly in the creamy mixture.

In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the half-and-half and melted butter until the butter is mostly incorporated into the cream. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed.

Pour the buttery cream and cheese mixture evenly over the noodles and beans, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon to make sure the noodles are mostly submerged in liquid.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, until the wax beans are tender and the egg noodles are soft and creamy. Try not to open the lid during the first 2 hours so the noodles cook through properly.

About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the noodle bake. Cover again and let it cook just until the cheese is melted and lightly golden around the edges.

Once the cheese is melted and the mixture is thick and creamy, turn the slow cooker to WARM. Give the casserole a gentle stir if you like a more mixed texture, or serve as-is for defined layers of beans, noodles, and cheese. Taste and add a pinch of salt at the table if needed.

Serve directly from the slow cooker, scooping down to get both the tender wax beans and the soft egg noodles in that buttery cream sauce with melted cheese on top.

For extra flavor without adding more ingredients, lightly salt your wax beans after trimming and let them sit for 10 minutes before layering them in the slow cooker; this helps draw out some moisture and season them throughout. If you don’t have fresh garden wax beans, you can use frozen wax beans (no need to thaw) in the same amount; just expect the bake to release a bit more liquid, so cook toward the longer end of the time range. For a slightly lighter version, swap 1 cup of the half-and-half for 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth; the sauce will be a bit less rich but still creamy. You can also use a mix of wax beans and green beans if that’s what your garden is giving you. If you like a more pronounced golden top, transfer the finished bake to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and browned. Food safety tips: Keep the slow cooker on LOW or WARM once the dish is done and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow containers. Reheat leftovers until steaming hot throughout (165°F/74°C) before serving, and avoid leaving the dish out at room temperature for extended periods, especially in warm summer kitchens.