There is something truly irresistible about the Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any kitchen. This comforting casserole blends tender ground beef with flavorful tomato sauce, smooth cream cheese, and delicate angel hair pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection under a blanket of cheese. Every bite bursts with warmth and wholesome goodness, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or inviting friends over for a hearty meal. If you love dishes that are both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying, this is one recipe you will cherish time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a unique role, from adding rich flavor to creating the perfect creamy texture and inviting color contrast. Here’s what you need to make magic happen:
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean or regular, depending on your preference for richness and texture in the casserole.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic zest that complements the savory tomato base beautifully.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained): Gives the casserole a fresh, tangy tomato flavor and chunky texture.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce and ties all the tomato flavors together seamlessly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that instantly elevates the sauce with herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a little kick and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 8 oz angel hair pasta: Delicate pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the rich sauce lovingly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings a creamy tang that enriches the casserole’s texture.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened): Blends smoothly with sour cream for a luscious, velvety layer.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top creating a gooey, golden crust.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty finish that balances the creamy and cheesy layers.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef together with diced onion. This combination releases a savory aroma and caramelized sweetness that sets the flavor foundation. Make sure the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions become tender but not mushy. Drain excess fat to keep the dish balanced and prevent greasiness.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
To the beef-onion mixture, add the minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this flavorful sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together, deepening the tomato richness and softening the garlic to a mellow sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Prepare the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture — tender yet firm to the bite. Since angel hair pasta cooks quickly, keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once ready, drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, blend together the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture will add a rich tangy layer to the casserole, balancing the robust tomato-meat sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Layer half of the cooked angel hair pasta evenly on the bottom, then spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture over it. Add the remaining pasta on top, and pour the simmered meat sauce evenly over the entire casserole. The layering creates wonderful contrasts in texture and flavor with every bite.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Bake
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top layer. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. By the end, the cheese will be melted, bubbly, and golden – a perfect signal that your Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe is ready to bring smiles to the dinner table.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This lets it set slightly for easier serving, while also allowing flavors to settle. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish if you like.
How to Serve Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a handful of chopped basil adds a beautiful burst of green and a hint of herbaceous brightness to this hearty dish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the mouthfeel and presentation.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in tangy vinaigrettes, garlic bread to soak up all the sauce, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added texture and nutrition. These sides provide refreshing contrast and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish accompanied by colorful bowls of sides. For a more formal touch, plate individual portions topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a small salad garnish. You can also experiment by layering in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra depth of flavor before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavors. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pasta and cheese.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it a perfect meal prep option. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the dish tightly in foil or transfer leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months to enjoy a comforting homemade meal anytime you crave it.
Reheating
Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power, stirring midway to heat evenly while keeping the creamy layers intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is traditional here for its delicate texture, you can swap in spaghetti, thin linguine, or even small pasta shapes like penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and make sure to drain well before layering.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, lentils, or chopped mushrooms sautéed with the onions to maintain the hearty texture. The rest of the ingredients and steps remain the same for a satisfying vegetarian casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time without baking?
You can assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be cold going into the oven.
What can I add to make the casserole spicier?
Try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce, or mix a bit of hot sauce into the cream cheese layer. Fresh chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper can also amp up the heat to your liking.
How can I make this recipe lower in fat?
Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey, and swap the sour cream and cream cheese for low-fat alternatives. Reducing the cheese quantity slightly or using part-skim mozzarella will also help lower the fat without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe is a true winner. With its inviting layers of tender pasta, savory beef, and creamy cheese, it’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknights special and weekends cozy. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and add this beloved casserole to your family’s rotation — it always brings a little extra joy to the table.
Print
Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring savory ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, layered with angel hair pasta and creamy cheese mixtures, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion becomes tender. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta at the bottom of the dish, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta on top, followed by pouring the meat sauce evenly over everything.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef to vary the flavor and fat content.
- This casserole freezes well — cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient future meal.
