There are some meals that feel like a warm hug, and this Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is definitely one of them. It’s a simple, comforting dish that takes classic ground beef and pasta and bakes it into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. It’s the kind of meal that makes a weeknight feel special and leaves everyone at the table feeling completely satisfied.
Why This Recipe is a Favorite
This recipe is a favorite because it brings together a lot of what people love in a meal: pasta, ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s an incredibly easy one-pan (plus a pot for the pasta) meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort and flavor. The angel hair pasta, being so delicate, bakes beautifully within the sauce, creating a tender, uniform texture that’s different from other pasta bakes. It’s a perfect dish for feeding a family or a crowd and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Here is a complete list of ingredients for this Delicious Angel Beef Casserole, expanding on your provided partial list and filling in the rest of the recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best to avoid a greasy casserole. You can also use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and sausage for a different flavor.
- Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups create a classic creamy base. You can use two cans of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken if you prefer.
- Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice, subtle heat and tang. If you don’t like spice, you can use a regular can of diced tomatoes.
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor, but a Monterey Jack or a Colby Jack blend would also melt beautifully and provide a great taste.
- Pasta: Angel hair pasta is delicate and cooks quickly, but you can use other thin pasta like vermicelli or even thin spaghetti. Just be sure to break it up before adding to the casserole.
- Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the ground beef mixture, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas, for extra nutrition and color.
Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the condensed cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups, the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir well until everything is combined and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked, drained angel hair pasta to the sauce in the skillet, along with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese is melted.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling hot and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente. Since it will bake in the oven with the sauce, this prevents it from getting too soft and mushy.
- Drain the Beef: Draining the grease from the ground beef is an important step to prevent the casserole from being overly oily.
- Creamy Sauce: Make sure the sauce is well-combined and the cheeses are melted before adding the pasta for a smooth, even texture.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the sauce set up, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of steamed green beans or garlic bread would also be excellent.
For other hearty, crowd-pleasing meals, consider these options:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Chicken Enchiladas are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Angel Beef Casserole stores well and is often just as good, if not better, the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or for a larger amount, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you appreciate easy, satisfying, and delicious one-pan (or almost one-pan) meals, you’ll find more to love on ChefManiac.com:
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers – perfect for game day or a casual get-together.
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast – a fantastic solution for feeding a hungry group with minimal effort.
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor – a quick and flavorful option for a weeknight.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers on all the things you want in a comfort meal. It’s cheesy, creamy, and undeniably delicious, making it a perfect addition to your family’s dinner rotation.
What are your go-to casserole recipes? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!
Delicious Angel Beef Casserole: A Hearty Family Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for mixing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (optional, for added texture)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- In a baking dish, layer the cooked ground beef and pour the creamy mixture over it. If using, stir in the elbow macaroni.
- Top the casserole with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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