If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting dish that’s simple to whip up yet packed with flavor, you’re in for a treat. The Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe combines tender angel hair pasta with hearty ground beef and creamy soups, topped with melty cheddar cheese that bakes to golden perfection. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of savory and creamy textures that make it an instant family favorite. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few straightforward ingredients is all it takes to make this rich and satisfying casserole. Each component plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and a beautiful balance of textures.
- 1 pound angel hair pasta: Choose this delicate pasta for its light texture which soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base that makes this casserole so filling.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the beef mixture when sautéed.
- 1 can tomato soup: Brings a tangy, comforting tomato flavor that brightens the dish.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Offers a velvety richness and subtle earthiness to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring out the best in all ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible golden, bubbly finish.
How to Make Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and reach that perfect bubbling cheese finish without any delay.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside. The tender yet delicate pasta is the foundation that carries the rich beef and creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Beef and Onion
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef alongside the chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. This combination creates a savory and slightly sweet base that will infuse every bite with flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
Step 4: Mix in the Soups and Seasoning
Next, stir the tomato soup and cream of mushroom soup directly into the skillet with the beef and onions. Add salt and pepper to taste. This wallet-friendly yet flavorful mixture creates a creamy, tangy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture
Toss the cooked angel hair pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly so every strand is coated in that luscious sauce. This melding step is key to ensuring balanced flavors and a cohesive casserole.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Grease a casserole dish lightly and pour in the pasta and meat mixture. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. This cheesy topping will melt and brown, adding a melty, golden crust that is simply irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden. This step melds all the flavors even further and creates that signature comfort food appeal.
How to Serve Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick if you like a subtle heat.
Side Dishes
Complement this filling casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. Light and refreshing sides help balance the creamy and hearty main dish without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy, portion-controlled presentation. Alternatively, sprinkle some extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy topping variation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let it cool completely before covering to preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese has regained its melty magic. Alternatively, use the microwave for a faster option, though the oven helps maintain the original texture best.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta for this Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta provides a delicate texture, you can substitute with thin spaghetti or even small shells to hold the sauce well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of soups made with meat stock, making sure to choose vegetarian-friendly soup options.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can boost the nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the beef and onion to soften before adding the soups.
What cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
Cheddar is great for its sharpness and melting quality, but you can try mozzarella for a milder creaminess or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Parmesan to personalize the dish.
How spicy is the Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe?
This recipe is generally mild, making it friendly for all taste buds. You can add some chili powder, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a soul-warming, hearty casserole that’s easy to prepare and always hits the spot. The Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe brings together familiar ingredients with a cozy, cheesy finish that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Delicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked pasta dish featuring ground beef, onion, tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines creamy, savory flavors with tender pasta baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.75 oz) tomato soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente, drain it well, and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix Soups and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef and onion mixture, blending everything thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat and soup mixture. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the pasta and meat mixture into a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture.
- If you like a crispier cheese topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use lean ground beef for a lower fat version of this casserole.
