Angel Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef, creamy layers, and often a combination of vegetables, cheese, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a great way to use up leftover beef or ground beef for a filling meal. Here’s a simple recipe for Angel Beef Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or leftover cooked beef, shredded or diced)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 package (8 oz) egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or leftover cooked beef) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. If using cooked beef, just heat it through and stir to combine.
4. Add the Vegetables and Sauce:
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and sour cream. Stir until well combined. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine with Noodles:
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the beef mixture and stir to combine. Make sure the noodles are coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Bake the Casserole:
- Transfer the beef and noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- If desired, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and extra flavor.
Tips:
- For a crispy top: After baking, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, golden top.
- For extra flavor: Add some Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little kick.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, then bake it when ready to serve. It may need an extra 10 minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Angel Beef Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that’s great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy days. The creamy sauce, savory beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal everyone will love!