If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole. This hearty, creamy, and delightfully cheesy dish turns everyday ingredients into something truly special, marrying the rich flavors of marinara, seasoned beef, and tender angel hair pasta—all gently melded together right in your slow cooker. Not only does it fill your kitchen with incredible aromas, but it also serves up that always-welcome combination of convenience and home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving next-level leftovers, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole is simple, but each item plays a crucial role in the final flavor, texture, and irresistible cheesiness. From savory ground beef to the creamy magic of ricotta and sour cream, it’s a lineup designed for maximum coziness and taste.

Ground Beef (1 pound): The juicy, meaty foundation for the casserole, adding satisfying heft and flavor.
Small Onion, diced (1): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the savory profile.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the whole dish with warm, aromatic notes—don’t skip it!
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers that classic herby touch, perfect for Italian-inspired casseroles.
Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every component just right.
Angel Hair Pasta, broken in half (8 oz): The delicate pasta strands soak up all the flavors beautifully; breaking them ensures even cooking.
Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): The saucy backbone that ties everything together and keeps things moist.
Beef Broth (1/2 cup): Adds a savory kick and helps the pasta cook to tender perfection.
Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): Brings a mild creaminess that blends the other flavors seamlessly.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Offers tang and velvety texture—a fantastic pairing with ricotta.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gooey, cheesy happiness throughout the casserole.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates every bite.
Fresh Parsley for garnish (optional): Delivers a pop of color and freshness as a final flourish.

How to Make Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking and crumbling the meat until it’s fully browned and the onion is soft, around 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, letting those aromatics bloom for another minute. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease—this keeps the casserole perfectly balanced, not oily.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Layer

In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese and sour cream. This simple mixture turns irresistibly creamy when baked in your slow cooker. If you want a lower-fat option or a different texture, feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese!

Step 3: Prep the Crock Pot

Give your Crock Pot a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure effortless serving later. Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce onto the bottom—this helps create a saucy base that keeps the noodles from burning or sticking.

Step 4: Layer Up the Goodness

Begin layering the casserole in your slow cooker: Arrange half of the broken angel hair pasta, followed by half the beef-onion mixture, then half of the creamy ricotta-sour cream blend, and finally a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing off with the remaining mozzarella. Pour the beef broth and any leftover marinara sauce evenly over the top, making sure the pasta is nestled in and everything is moist. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy crust.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 3 to 4 hours. As the hours pass, your Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole transforms—pasta turns tender, cheeses melt into bubbly bliss, and flavors meld beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the aroma is simply irresistible!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before dishing up, scatter fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and brightness. This little touch makes the entire Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole look (and taste) extra inviting.

How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the finished casserole isn’t just for looks—it brightens the whole dish and balances out the richness. For even more flair, you could add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal all its own, but it really shines next to the classics: a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a basket of buttery garlic bread for scooping up all that saucy, cheesy goodness. Roasted veggies or simple steamed broccoli are also excellent, especially if you’re aiming for a more balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style dining, lift generous squares right from the slow cooker onto plates. If you’re serving a crowd, try ladling the casserole into shallow bowls and offering toppings like extra cheese, sliced olives, or even a drizzle of pesto. You can also portion leftovers into single-serve containers for grab-and-go lunches that reheat beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole is pure gold—just let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep delightfully fresh for up to three days, ready for satisfying next-day lunches or dinner in a pinch.

Freezing

If you want to freeze extra portions, let the casserole cool completely, then divide it into freezer-safe containers. Well-wrapped, this dish will stay tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat your Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole, pop individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and gently warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra marinara if the casserole seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of angel hair?

Absolutely! While angel hair cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well, you can substitute thin spaghetti or even small pasta shapes like penne. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as thicker pasta may need extra time.

Is it possible to make Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap out the ground beef for a meatless ground or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef. The result is still packed with hearty, savory flavors.

Can I assemble this ahead of time and cook later?

Yes! Assemble all the layers in your slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply pop the insert into your Crock Pot and start cooking—so handy for busy schedules.

Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?

Gluten-free pasta can be used, but it’s important to monitor the cooking time closely, as some gluten-free noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Check for doneness after 2½ to 3 hours.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You can double the recipe as long as you have a large enough slow cooker (at least 6 or 7 quarts). Extend the cooking time slightly and make sure everything is layered evenly for best results.

Final Thoughts

Few things rival the warm, melty satisfaction of coming home to a Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole. This recipe is a labor of love that couldn’t be easier to pull off—and it’s sure to become a frequent star at your family table. Give it a try, savor every comforting bite, and don’t be surprised if you start craving it again before the leftovers are even gone!

Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines ground beef, pasta, cheeses, and savory seasonings in a slow cooker for a flavorful meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

8 oz angel hair pasta, broken in half
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess grease.
Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and sour cream.
Layer Ingredients: Spray crock pot with cooking spray. Layer pasta, beef mixture, cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Pour beef broth and marinara sauce over the top. Add remaining cheeses.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours until pasta is tender and casserole is hot. Garnish with parsley before serving.