If you are craving a cozy, hearty dish that brings the ultimate comfort food vibes, this Angel Beef Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender, flavorful ground beef enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with perfectly crispy tater tots, every bite feels like a warm hug. This American classic combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this Angel Beef Casserole Recipe delivers on taste and nostalgia in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this casserole is refreshingly straightforward. Each element plays a vital role, from the crispy texture of the tater tots to the creamy richness of the cheese and soup blend, making this dish both flavorful and comforting without any fuss.
- 7 cups frozen tater tots: These provide that irresistible crispy topping and a fun twist on traditional casseroles.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the creamy sauce together for silky smoothness.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthiness and creaminess, infusing the casserole with comforting depth.
- 8 oz softened cream cheese: Elevates the sauce to ultra creamy status and adds a subtle tang.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this more than just a side dish.
- 1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing mix: Infuses the beef with herbs and spices for a burst of savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps the beef moist and adds extra richness to the sauce.
How to Make Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it will be perfectly heated when your casserole is ready for baking. This step gets you ahead of the game and ensures an even cook.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly. Once fully cooked, pour off any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Mix the creamy sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, beef broth, and melted butter. Stir everything vigorously until it’s smooth and evenly blended—this sauce will lusciously coat the beef.
Step 4: Combine beef and sauce
Transfer the cooked ground beef to a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the beef, and gently mix everything together to ensure every bit is coated with that delicious mixture.
Step 5: Add the tater tot topping
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the top of the beef and sauce mixture. Make sure the tots cover the surface completely, as they’ll crisp up to create that signature golden, crunchy layer.
Step 6: Bake until bubbly and crisp
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden and crispy. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the layers to set a bit.
How to Serve Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or green onions sprinkled on top add a wonderful burst of color and a subtle fresh flavor that lightens the richness of the casserole. A little grated cheddar cheese melted over the tater tots just before serving is irresistible, too.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed vegetables or roasted broccoli also provide great texture contrast and add a nutritious element to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins—they look charming and keep the casserole piping hot. You can also layer the casserole in a clear glass baking dish to show off all the delightful textures and colors for a visual treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Angel Beef Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps maintain the crispy tater tot topping. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating, but the topping may lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
While fresh potatoes can certainly be used, frozen tater tots add a convenient and consistent crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy beef. If you prefer fresh, try cutting them into bite-sized pieces and parboiling before layering to ensure they cook fully.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Angel Beef Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The creamy sauce and crispy tots still deliver plenty of comfort without meat.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day early and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with foil before popping it in the oven, and it might need a few extra minutes to bake through.
What can I add to make the casserole more flavorful?
Adding sautéed onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the ground beef during cooking can enhance the flavor depth. You could also sprinkle paprika or chili flakes into the sauce for a gentle kick.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Angel Beef Casserole Recipe makes about 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings where everyone will want seconds!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Angel Beef Casserole Recipe that keeps everyone coming back for more. Its balanced flavors, cozy textures, and effortless preparation make it an absolute winner in the kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!
Print
Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Total Time: 60 Minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting American-style casserole featuring creamy, savory ground beef mixed with a smooth mushroom sauce, topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for a crowd.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Topping
- 7 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: Toss the ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly, then pour off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Italian dressing mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, melted butter, and softened cream cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Mix Beef and Sauce: Transfer the cooked beef to a greased baking pan. Pour the creamy sauce over the beef and gently mix to ensure all the beef is well coated with the sauce.
- Add Tater Tot Topping: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly over the top of the beef mixture, covering it completely so no beef or sauce shows through.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a minute or two after baking before serving to let it set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the tater tots during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- If you prefer, substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different taste profile.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after browning the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from chilled.
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish from being overly fatty.
