Angel Beef Casserole Recipe – Comfort Food At Its Best. Delicious hearty beef, savory veggies, all in a rich succulent sauce. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, potluck, or just want a warm and filling dish, it will become a go-to in your repertoire of recipes. Quick and convenient to make and takes no time at all to cook– great for busy weeknights when you just want to feed the family!
Recipes like this are great because of their versatility. The great thing about the Angel Beef Casserole Recipe is that you can make it your own. From the meat (ground beef, stew beef, or even chicken) to the veggies to the seasonings, you can get creative with this recipe while keeping it comforting. You can even lighten it up by switching ingredients and tossing in extra veggies to accommodate different diets.
The great thing about Angel Beef Casserole is that not only does it taste amazing, but it also gives you just the right mix of protein, fiber, and carbs! It’s a hearty meal that both kids and adults will love. Regardless of whether you like yours cheesy, creamy, or want a golden brown crust on top, this recipe is so versatile that you can make it the way you prefer. Then, let’s learn just how you can prepare this comforting dish from scratch and delight in the amazing flavors that quickly become a favorite of your family.
- What is Angel Beef Casserole?
- Ingredients Needed for Angel Beef Casserole
- How to Make Angel Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Making the Best Angel Beef Casserole
- Healthier Versions of Angel Beef Casserole
- Variations of the Classic Angel Beef Casserole
- How to Serve Angel Beef Casserole
- Conclusion
- FAQs: Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
- Share Your Twist!
What is Angel Beef Casserole?
Angel Beef Casserole. This comfort food traditionally consists of ground beef and vegetables topped with a delicious, usually cheesy topping! The casserole is ready to eat when it’s out of the oven, which is perfect for busy families seeking a filling dinner. Despite the name, this is not a light dish; the casserole is hearty and substantial, and it’s easy to adapt to your exact tastes.
The secret to a perfect Angel Beef Casserole Recipe is the combination of the ingredients and how they are layered. From the succulent, seasoned strip beef to the hearty vegetables – potatoes, onions, and carrots – their flavor fills your mouth with unbelievable goodness. Whether you are making a classic version or trying one with a twist, this casserole will become a keeper in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients Needed for Angel Beef Casserole
Main Ingredients for the Beef Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Angel Beef Casserole Recipe:
- Beef (ground beef, stew beef, or even roast beef): The beef is the heart of the casserole, and you can choose the cut that fits your preferences. Ground beef is the most common, but stew beef offers a chunkier texture.
- Potatoes: These add substance to the dish, soaking up flavors and adding a hearty element.
- Onions: A bit of diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the casserole’s flavor profile.
- Carrots: Sliced or diced, carrots add color and a mild sweetness.
- Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: This adds a tangy, savory base for the casserole.
- Cheese (optional, for topping): Cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice will melt beautifully over the casserole for that perfect golden crust.
Optional Add-ins and Customization
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap vegetables. Bell peppers, peas, green beans, or corn work well.
- Spices and seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, oregano, or thyme can elevate the flavor and make the dish your own.
- Broth or Stock: To enhance the sauce, use beef broth or chicken stock for added depth.
How to Make Angel Beef Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Start by browning the beef in a large skillet. If you’re using ground beef, cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces. For stew beef, brown the pieces on all sides to seal in the flavor. This step ensures that the meat develops a rich, savory flavor, which is key to a great Angel Beef Casserole Recipe.
Tip: For added flavor, you can brown the beef with some diced onions and garlic.
Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables
While the beef is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds, chop the carrots, and dice any other vegetables you plan to include. You can either sauté them or simply layer them raw into the casserole dish, depending on the texture you want.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a softer texture, cook the potatoes and carrots for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Step 3: Assembling the Casserole
In a large casserole dish, start by layering the cooked beef, followed by a layer of vegetables. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle some over the vegetables. Pour the tomato sauce or broth over the top to create a moist environment for baking.
The key to a perfectly layered Angel Beef Casserole Recipe is to ensure that the ingredients are spread evenly, allowing all the flavors to meld together as it bakes.
Step 4: Baking the Casserole
Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender. If you’re using cheese, uncover the casserole during the last 10 minutes to let the cheese melt and turn golden brown.
Tips for Making the Best Angel Beef Casserole
Perfect Beef Texture
To avoid dry or tough beef, it’s essential to cook it just right. Overcooking can result in rubbery meat, while undercooking can leave it tough. Aim to brown the beef until it’s cooked through but not overly browned.
How to Avoid a Watery Casserole
The Angel Beef Casserole Recipe can sometimes turn out too watery, especially if there’s too much moisture in the vegetables. To prevent this, drain any excess liquid from the beef before adding it to the casserole, and be sure to cook down the tomato sauce a bit before layering it in.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
This dish is a perfect candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed.
Healthier Versions of Angel Beef Casserole
Low-Carb Substitutes for Angel Beef Casserole
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can replace potatoes with cauliflower. Cauliflower has a similar texture and will absorb the flavors of the sauce just as well. You can also skip the cheese or use a lighter version to reduce the calorie count.
Gluten-Free Angel Beef Casserole
To make the Angel Beef Casserole Recipe gluten-free, just ensure that all the ingredients you’re using—especially any broth, stock, or seasoning—are certified gluten-free. Most of the ingredients in this casserole naturally do not contain gluten, making it easy to adapt.
Variations of the Classic Angel Beef Casserole
Mexican-Inspired Angel Beef Casserole
For a fun twist, turn your Angel Beef Casserole Recipe into a Mexican dish by adding taco seasoning to the beef and layering it with black beans, corn, and shredded cheese. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro for an added zing!
Comfort Food Twist: Adding Creamy Mushroom Sauce
To make the casserole even creamier, try adding a mushroom sauce base instead of tomato sauce. This adds a rich, velvety texture that’s incredibly comforting.
Vegetarian-Friendly Angel Casserole
If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, you can swap the beef for lentils, mushrooms, or even tofu. These alternatives will provide the same hearty texture, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
How to Serve Angel Beef Casserole
The Angel Beef Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or garlic bread. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it with roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw for a more complete meal.
Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet (for browning beef)
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Aluminum foil (for baking)
- Oven (preheated to 350°F / 175°C)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or stew beef
- 4 medium potatoes peeled, sliced
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare vegetables: Slice potatoes, carrots, and dice onion.
- Layer casserole: In the prepared dish, layer cooked beef, sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions. Season each layer with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add sauce: Pour tomato sauce and beef broth over the layers.
- Top with cheese (optional): Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge before baking. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Slow Cooker Version: Layer the ingredients and cook in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
So there you have it, Angel Beef Casserole Recipe- It meets all the requirements; it is easy, so delicious, and is a blank canvas. Whether serving as a family weeknight dinner or as a make-ahead meal, this casserole is the answer for hectic days. With its hearty mix of juicy beef, saucy vegetables, and melty cheese, it’s easy to see why this one-dish wonder is beloved by all at the table. And since it’s easy to tailor the ingredients to appeal to various tastes and dietary preferences, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make over and over.
And it’s the versatility that makes this casserole so much fun to play around with. From seasoning them with taco seasoning for a Mexican twist to spoiling them with a mushroom sauce, there’s so much you can do. Feel free to experiment and make it your own, whether that means swapping in other ingredients, using a different type of meat, or even serving it with a side (garlic bread and a crisp salad make nice companions), there’s no bad way to enjoy this hearty meal. The Angel Beef Casserole Recipe is an opportunity to customize your dinner and taste new flavors your family will love.
Don’t forget that this dish can be used to prepare meals and frozen. It is possible to prepare it in advance and then put it in the fridge and bake it as necessary, saving time during busy days. If you’re eating it fresh out of the oven or serving it as leftovers, this dish always delivers. Gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and enjoy a tasty dinner that will leave the guests wanting more.
FAQs: Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
What can I substitute for ground beef in the Angel Beef Casserole?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version of the casserole.
Can I make this Angel Beef Casserole in advance?
Yes! You can prepare this casserole a day ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole.
How can I make the casserole more flavorful?
To add extra flavor, you can experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes. Adding garlic and onions will also bring out richer flavors.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s a great option for hands-off cooking.
How long should I bake the casserole for?
For best results, bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown.
Can I use pre-cooked potatoes in this recipe?
Yes! You can use pre-cooked or leftover potatoes to save time. Just layer them in the casserole like you would fresh potatoes.
Can I make a dairy-free version of this casserole?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by omitting the cheese and using non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or dairy-free cheese substitutes.
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Experiment with your favorites!
Can I add a crunchy topping to the casserole?
Yes! Try adding crushed breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a topping in the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy texture.
Share Your Twist!
We’d love to see how you make the Angel Beef Casserole Recipe your own! Whether it’s adding a unique vegetable, swapping beef for a different protein, or getting creative with seasonings, there are endless ways to make this dish your own.
- Add your favorite veggies: Try bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for an extra burst of flavor.
- Change up the meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option can make for an equally delicious casserole.
- Experiment with cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a fun twist.
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or chili flakes for a little heat.
Feel free to share your version of this recipe in the comments below or tag us on social media! We can’t wait to see what amazing twists you come up with. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #AngelBeefCasserole to be featured!
References :
Our 55 Best Dinner Recipes of All Time
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