Here’s a full recipe breakdown for Delicious Angel Beef Casserole—a creamy, hearty, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy family meal!
Ingredients:
For the beef mixture:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions (Construction):
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Mix in flavor: Stir in salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.
- Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low and mix in the cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup until smooth and well combined. Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add tater tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes, until melted.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Tex-Mex twist: Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack and add 1 cup of salsa to the beef mixture.
- Veggie boost: Stir in 1 cup of corn, bell peppers, or peas for extra texture and nutrition.
- Low-carb alternative: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower tots or mashed cauliflower.
Tips for the Best Casserole:
✔️ Use lean beef to prevent excess grease. If using fattier beef, drain well.
✔️ Soften the cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.
✔️ Arrange tater tots evenly for even crispiness—don’t stack them!
✔️ Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
✔️ Freeze leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
This Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and potlucks. Would you like any custom tweaks to fit your taste? 😊