Introduction
Easy Angel Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It features a delicious combination of ground beef, cream cheese, and tater tots that makes it a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a cozy meal, this casserole hits the spot with its savory flavors and easy preparation.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice because it requires minimal prep time and uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s the oven version of a classic slow cooker dish, but it still delivers the same comforting goodness in less time. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps depending on your preferences or what you have on hand.
How to Make Easy Angel Beef Casserole
This casserole is straightforward to make. You’ll brown the beef, mix it with a creamy base, and top everything with crispy tater tots. It’s then baked to perfection for a dish that’s simple, filling, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef, browned and drained
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry or beef broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 oz package Italian dressing mix
- 7 cups frozen tater tots, kept frozen
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine the butter, cooking sherry or beef broth, cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and Italian dressing mix until smooth.
- Add Ground Beef: Stir the cooked and drained ground beef into the cream cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Rotate the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden.
How to Serve Easy Angel Beef Casserole
Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. If you’re serving a crowd, consider offering some crusty bread to help soak up the creamy sauce.
How to Store Easy Angel Beef Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Tips to Make Easy Angel Beef Casserole
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For extra flavor, you can add freshly grated cheddar cheese over the tater tots before baking.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef before combining it with the other ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
- Try Different Toppings: You can top the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and freshness.
Variation
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative to suit your preferences.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure that the cream of mushroom soup and Italian dressing mix you use are certified gluten-free. Additionally, you may want to double-check that your tater tots don’t contain any hidden gluten.
This Easy Angel Beef Casserole is perfect for those who crave a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. Enjoy it as a family dinner or make it ahead for quick and satisfying leftovers!
asy Angel Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef browned and drained
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry or beef broth
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 oz package Italian dressing mix
- 7 cups frozen tater tots kept frozen
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine the butter, cooking sherry or beef broth, cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and Italian dressing mix until smooth.
- Add Ground Beef: Stir the cooked and drained ground beef into the cream cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Rotate the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden.