This hearty Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting dish that combines savory ground beef with a creamy, flavorful sauce, all topped with crispy tater tots. It's a family favorite that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal. The creamy sauce made with cream cheese, mushroom soup, and beef broth perfectly complements the seasoned ground beef. Topping it off with golden tater tots adds a delightful crunch that makes each bite irresistible. It's an easy-to-make dish that always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing mix
- 7 cups frozen tater tots
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, melted butter, and Italian dressing mix. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the creamy mixture and stir until well combined.
- Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 35-40 minutes, making the total time around 50-55 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use cream of celery soup instead of mushroom soup.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture or sprinkle it on top before adding the tater tots for extra cheesiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture for some heat.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate sautéed onions, bell peppers, or peas into the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
I often prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, I let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Absolutely! If I'm not a fan of mushroom soup, I substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
What can I serve with this casserole?
I like to pair this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, I often mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or frozen peas into the beef mixture for added texture and nutrition.
How do I ensure the tater tots stay crispy?
To keep the tater tots crispy, I make sure to bake the casserole uncovered and avoid overcrowding the top layer. Placing the dish on the middle rack of the oven also helps achieve an even, crispy finish.
Conclusion
Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. With its creamy beef filling and crispy tater tot topping, it's a dish that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful casserole as much as I do.
Delicious Angel Beef Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting and hearty casserole featuring seasoned ground beef in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy tater tots—perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing mix
- 7 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mushroom soup, beef broth, melted butter, and Italian dressing mix until smooth.
- Combine the beef with the creamy mixture and stir until well incorporated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Prepare in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a cheesy twist, add shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture or on top.
- Add vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition.
- Bake uncovered to keep tater tots crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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