Delicious Angel Beef Casserole

This hearty Angel Beef Casserole combines the comforting flavors of seasoned ground beef with a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling meal that will please the whole family.

I first made this casserole when my sister and her four hungry teenagers came to visit unexpectedly. It was such a hit that it became our go to dish for family gatherings, with everyone fighting over the crispy tater tot corners.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: provides hearty protein without excessive fat consider using 90/10 or 85/15 for best flavor balance
• Cream cheese: creates a rich velvety texture that elevates this from ordinary to extraordinary
• Cream of mushroom soup: offers convenience and depth of flavor choose low sodium if watching salt intake
• Beef broth: enhances the meaty flavor throughout the dish homemade broth adds exceptional flavor
• Melted butter: adds richness and helps the tater tots achieve maximum crispiness
• Italian dressing mix packet: delivers complex seasoning with herbs and spices in one convenient addition
• Frozen tater tots: create the perfect crispy golden crown select extra crispy variety for best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the other components. This ensures even cooking throughout the casserole. Take this time to grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Browning the Beef:

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, creating small crumbles for even texture throughout the casserole. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the excess fat by tilting the pan or using a colander to ensure your casserole isn't greasy.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce:

In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth. The cream cheese must be properly softened to avoid lumps in your sauce. Gradually stir in the cream of mushroom soup, followed by the beef broth. Add the melted butter and sprinkle in the Italian dressing mix. Whisk everything together until completely smooth and well incorporated.

Assembling the Casserole:

Transfer the browned ground beef to your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring complete coverage. Use a spatula to gently fold the beef and sauce together, creating a uniform mixture while maintaining some texture.

Adding Tater Tots as a Topping:

Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat rows across the top of the casserole. For maximum crispiness, place them close together but not overlapping. This careful arrangement ensures each serving has the perfect proportion of crispy topping to creamy filling.

Baking and Serving:

Place the casserole in the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the tater tots turn deeply golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and make portioning easier.

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The Italian dressing mix is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of my usual seasonings one night, and now I would never make this casserole without it. The blend of herbs and spices infuses every bite with flavor that has my teenagers scraping their plates clean.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prepare everything up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the beef and sauce mixture in your baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, add the tater tots, and bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving Suggestions

Angel Beef Casserole pairs beautifully with simple vegetable sides. A fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole perfectly. For heartier appetites, serve with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. The casserole also makes an excellent main dish for potluck gatherings, as it stays warm for quite a while and everyone loves the combination of creamy filling and crispy topping.

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Creative Variations

While this classic version is delicious on its own, feel free to customize it to your family's preferences. Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms and onions between the beef and sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the tater tots during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist. For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.

→ Can I make this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Simply bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ How can I make the tater tots extra crispy?

For extra crispy tater tots, consider slightly pre-baking them on a sheet before placing them on the casserole, or use the broil setting for the last 5 minutes of baking.

→ Can I freeze the casserole for later?

Yes, you can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked casserole. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake from frozen with an extended cooking time.

→ What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or a fresh loaf of crusty bread.

→ Can I use a different sauce base?

Certainly! Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, celery, or any preferred creamy soup base.