Craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering? Look no further than the Delicious Angel Beef Casserole. This dish combines creamy, savory ground beef with crispy, golden tater tots for a meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. The combination of cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and Italian dressing mix gives it a unique richness, while the tater tots on top bring that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this casserole is a must-try.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This casserole comes together with just a few simple steps perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Crowd-Pleaser: With ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Comforting: There’s something about a warm, cheesy casserole that hits the spot, especially when it’s topped with crispy tater tots.
Versatile: Add in your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients to suit your taste this recipe is easily customizable.

Ingredients for Delicious Angel Beef Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful casserole:

2 lbs lean ground beef: The base of the dish, providing that savory, meaty flavor.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to the casserole.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: For that classic creamy texture with an earthy mushroom flavor.
½ cup beef broth: Thins out the sauce while adding extra beefy flavor.
¼ cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps everything meld together.
1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing mix: The secret ingredient that gives the casserole its zesty, herby flavor.
7 cups frozen tater tots: Topped over the casserole for a crispy, golden finish.

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Delicious Angel Beef Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure that your casserole doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out easily when it’s time to serve.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 2 lbs of lean ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Make sure there are no large chunks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.

3. Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup beef broth, ¼ cup melted butter, and 1 packet of Italian dressing mix. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sauce is what gives the casserole its rich, comforting flavor.

4. Combine Beef and Sauce

Once the beef is browned and drained, add it to the creamy sauce mixture. Stir until the beef is evenly coated in the sauce. This step ensures that every bite of the casserole is packed with flavor.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the beef and sauce mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This creates the base layer of the casserole, and the creamy sauce will help hold everything together.

6. Add Tater Tots

Arrange 7 cups of frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single layer. You can line them up neatly or just scatter them either way, they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven. The tater tots add that perfect crunchy texture to balance out the creamy filling.

7. Bake Until Golden Brown

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the tots are beautifully crisped up.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up a bit. Serve it hot, and enjoy every creamy, crispy bite of this comforting dish!

Tips for Perfecting Your Angel Beef Casserole

Choose Lean Beef: Using lean ground beef reduces the amount of grease in the casserole, giving it a cleaner, more balanced flavor.
Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it into the sauce. This makes it easier to blend and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
Add Veggies: Want to pack in some veggies? Try adding frozen peas, carrots, or corn to the beef mixture before baking. They’ll add some color and extra nutrition.
Crisp Up the Tater Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, you can bake them for 10 minutes before placing them on top of the casserole.

Variations to Try

Cheesy Beef Casserole: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the creamy beef mixture for an extra cheesy version.
Mexican-Inspired Twist: Swap the Italian dressing mix for taco seasoning, and top the casserole with jalapeños and shredded cheese for a Tex-Mex version.
Vegetable Beef Casserole: Toss in some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to make this dish a bit heartier and healthier.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

This Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, here are a few side dishes that pair perfectly:

Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli are great sides to serve alongside the casserole.

Storing and Reheating

To Store: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: You can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a couple of minutes until heated through.
To Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.