Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty meal that brings together tender angel hair pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy soups for a satisfying casserole. With its rich combination of tomato and cream of mushroom soup, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a family-friendly favorite. The dish is topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese, adding a perfect finishing touch of gooey goodness. This casserole is not only simple but also full of delicious flavors, with a creamy texture and savory taste that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a quick dinner option, Delicious Angel Beef Casserole checks all the boxes for comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Angel Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a blend of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors. This casserole is a one-pan wonder, combining ground beef, pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce into one satisfying meal. The angel hair pasta provides a delicate texture that perfectly complements the hearty beef and creamy soups. It’s a deliciously simple recipe that requires only a handful of ingredients but delivers a meal that feels special. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding extra vegetables, using different cheeses, or adjusting the seasoning. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a quick dinner, this casserole is the perfect option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Angel hair pasta
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Tomato soup
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Variations
Add vegetables
For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These can be sautéed with the ground beef and onions to integrate into the casserole.
Swap the cheese
While cheddar cheese gives this casserole a creamy, sharp flavor, you can easily swap it for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste.
Make it spicier
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced green chilies when cooking the beef and onion. You could also add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Use a different pasta
If you prefer a different type of pasta, penne or elbow macaroni can be used instead of angel hair. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the type of pasta you choose.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Add the Soups and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and bring to a simmer for a few minutes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture
Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Transfer to a Casserole Dish
Grease a casserole dish and pour the pasta and meat mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cook the pasta al dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the casserole, make sure to cook it just to al dente, so it doesn’t get too soft.
- Drain the beef: After cooking the beef, make sure to drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Use a large skillet: A large skillet will make it easier to mix the beef, soup, and pasta together without spilling over the sides.
- Customize the flavor: If you prefer a more robust flavor, add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
How to Serve
Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is perfect on its own as a hearty meal, but it can also be paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a well-rounded meal. The cheesy, creamy casserole is a satisfying main dish that will leave everyone feeling full and content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen for longer storage. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can be sautéed with the beef and onions to add extra flavor and nutrition.
4. How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced chili peppers to the beef mixture to give it a bit of heat.
5. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese you prefer.
6. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
7. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
8. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers will last in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
9. Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding minced garlic to the beef and onion mixture will enhance the flavor of the casserole.
10. Can I use low-fat or light versions of the soups?
Yes, you can use low-fat or light versions of the tomato soup and cream of mushroom soup if you want a lighter version of the casserole.
Conclusion
Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is an easy, flavorful meal that combines the comfort of pasta with the richness of beef and creamy soups. This dish is not only satisfying but also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to your preference. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a quick and hearty dinner, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and simple preparation, it’s the perfect comfort food that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
PrintDelicious Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines the goodness of angel hair pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy soups topped with melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger and cravings for a warm, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can tomato soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is no longer pink; drain.
- Stir in tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the meat mixture and mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For a spicier version, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes