Heavenly Angel Beef Casserole Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Culinary magic happens when you craft an angel beef casserole that combines rich, hearty flavors with simple, comforting ingredients.

Layers of tender meat mingle with creamy textures and aromatic herbs.

Home kitchens come alive with this delightful dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for everyone around the table.

Seasoned and novice cooks alike can master this crowd-pleasing recipe with ease.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and nourishment.

Angel Beef Casserole That Feeds and Fulfills

• Effortless Comfort Cooking: Whip up this hearty casserole with minimal prep and simple ingredients that come together quickly for a satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines creamy textures with savory beef and zesty seasonings that will have everyone asking for seconds and requesting the recipe.
• Kid-Friendly Dinner Winner: Packed with familiar flavors like beef, pasta, and melted cheese that make it a guaranteed hit for picky eaters and the whole family.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and streamlined cooking process means less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious homemade meal together.

Nigella’s Italian Christmas Cake Ingredients

• Angel Hair Pasta: Delicate and thin pasta noodles perfect for casseroles.

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that adds heartiness to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a savory and sweet base flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic essence.

• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy and tangy layer.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and smooth texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the casserole.

• Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky depth to the meat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance overall seasoning.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and classic tomato flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finishing touch.

How to Make Angel Beef Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the angel hair pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and start cooking the ground beef with onions. Cook until the meat turns a beautiful brown and is completely done. Drain any extra fat from the pan.

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Tomato sauce

Stir in the seasonings and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Layer

In a mixing bowl, blend the sour cream and softened cream cheese until you have a smooth, silky mixture.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the cooked pasta across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Dollop the creamy mixture over the pasta, then add the remaining pasta on top. Pour the beef mixture evenly across the entire dish.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole, creating a blanket of melty deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become melted and bubbly, with tempting golden edges.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole from the oven. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Casserole Tips That Keep Angel Beef Layers Flavorful

• Pasta Perfection: Cook angel hair pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a delicate texture.
• Fat Management: Thoroughly drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy and heavy.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting easier.
• Temperature Balance: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more consistent creamy layers.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop parsley right before serving to maintain its vibrant color and maximum flavor intensity.

Storage Ideas For Angel Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with date and contents. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency. Keeps well for 2-3 months.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent cheese from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Optional: Add fresh cheese on top before final 5 minutes of reheating.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Flatbread Match Ideas

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich beef and creamy cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's richness with its tannic structure.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with mixed arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the casserole to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide an additional layer of flavor and texture.
• Complement with Light Vegetable: Add roasted or steamed broccoli with a hint of lemon zest to introduce a bright, green element that cuts through the dish's richness and adds nutritional balance.

Italian Christmas Cake Takes

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Replace angel hair pasta with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Beef Bake: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or thinly sliced cabbage to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the hearty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free alternative that keeps the casserole's creamy texture and rich taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and dairy-free cream cheese, and swap mozzarella with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute angel hair with other thin pasta like spaghettini or vermicelli. Avoid thick pasta as it might change the texture and cooking time.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

• What can I do if I don't have sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream. It provides similar creaminess and tanginess to the dish. Use the same amount as the recipe suggests.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. Start with a small amount like 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to your heat preference. You can also include diced jalapeños for extra kick.

Angel Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Heavenly Angel Beef Casserole brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its rich, hearty layers of tender beef and creamy sauce. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that promises to delight you with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb or 454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (12 oz or 340 grams) angel hair pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 375°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare angel hair pasta in boiling water until perfectly tender, then carefully drain and reserve for layering.
3. Heat a skillet and transform ground beef and chopped onions into a rich, caramelized mixture, thoroughly eliminating excess liquid. Enhance the protein with aromatic garlic powder, smoky paprika, seasoning, and vibrant tomato sauce, allowing flavors to meld together for several minutes.
4. Create a velvety binding layer by whisking sour cream and cream cheese until achieving a smooth, luxurious consistency.
5. Construct the casserole’s foundation by distributing half the cooked pasta across the baking dish’s surface. Generously spread the creamy mixture, then layer remaining pasta. Crown the dish with the seasoned beef mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Liberally blanket the entire casserole with shredded mozzarella, creating a golden, appetizing surface.
7. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, enticing topping.
8. Extract the casserole, optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness, and serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and ensure a healthier dish.
• Swap angel hair pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for smoother, lump-free blending with sour cream.
• For extra flavor depth, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the beef mixture before baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg