Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole

Looking for a comforting, hassle-free dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds? Well, say hello to the Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole! This dish is the definition of cozy comfort food—rich, savory beef, tender noodles, and a hearty sauce, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. It’s one of those dishes that gets better as it cooks, with the flavors melding together to create a truly mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a gathering, or just craving something deliciously easy, this casserole is the answer. Trust me, you’ll love how simple it is to make and how comforting it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole

Hands-Off Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into the Crock Pot, set it, and forget it! You’ll have a delicious meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

Full of Flavor: The slow cooking process lets all the flavors come together beautifully, resulting in a rich, savory casserole that’s packed with taste in every bite.

Tender Beef: The beef cooks slowly, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender—no need for any fancy techniques.

Hearty and Filling: This casserole is a complete meal in one dish, with all the ingredients you love, like beef, noodles, cheese, and a rich sauce.

Family-Friendly: It’s a meal that’s sure to please both adults and kids alike. Plus, it’s easy to adjust to fit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients in Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ground Beef: The hearty, meaty base of the casserole that gives it rich flavor and a satisfying texture.

Angel Hair Pasta: Light and delicate, angel hair noodles cook perfectly in the Crock Pot and provide the ideal base for the casserole.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy, flavorful base for the casserole sauce, adding richness and depth to the dish.

Tomato Sauce: A tangy, savory addition that helps balance out the richness of the beef and cheese.

Cheddar Cheese: For that melty, gooey, cheesy topping that makes every bite irresistible.

Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the beef and sauce.

Garlic: Because, let’s face it, garlic makes everything better, giving the casserole that delicious savory depth.

Beef Broth: Helps keep everything moist and adds even more beefy flavor to the sauce.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that gives this casserole its flavorful kick.

Salt and Pepper: To taste, for that perfect seasoning balance.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Layer the Casserole

In the Crock Pot, layer the cooked beef, sautéed onions and garlic, angel hair pasta (broken into smaller pieces), cream of mushroom soup, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine.

Add the Cheese

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole mixture. This will melt into the dish as it cooks and give it that delicious cheesy texture.

Slow Cook

Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Check occasionally, stirring gently to ensure the noodles cook evenly and the casserole stays nice and moist.

Add the Final Touch

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked to perfection, scoop out generous servings and serve hot. Pair with a side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
Total Time: 4-5 hours (depending on cooking time)

How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole

• With a Fresh Salad: Serve with a crisp, refreshing green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a great contrast to the rich casserole.
• With Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread will help you soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a touch of color and freshness.

Additional Tips

• Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Be Careful with Pasta: Break the angel hair pasta into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly in the Crock Pot.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Check for Moisture: Depending on the brand of soup you use, you might need to adjust the amount of beef broth to keep the casserole from becoming too dry.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have angel hair, you can use another pasta shape, but keep in mind that some pasta types may require a little more liquid and cooking time.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it the next day in the Crock Pot. It will only need a little more time to warm up if refrigerated.

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?
A3: Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the Crock Pot or oven.

Q4: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A4: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will work wonderfully in this casserole.

Q5: Can I add cheese to the filling?
A5: Yes! You can stir some shredded cheese directly into the casserole mixture before slow cooking for an extra cheesy filling.

Q6: What if my casserole is too dry?
A6: If the casserole is too dry, simply add a little extra beef broth or tomato sauce and stir to combine.

Q7: Can I cook this casserole on the stove instead of in the Crock Pot?
A7: Yes, you can cook the casserole on the stovetop. Just simmer everything together in a large pot, adding the pasta and letting it cook until tender.

Q8: Can I make this casserole spicier?
A8: If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix for a spicy kick.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A9: To reheat, simply place the casserole in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the Crock Pot on low for about 30 minutes.

Q10: Can I add other seasonings or ingredients?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. You can also add veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Conclusion

The Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole is everything you want in a meal—easy, flavorful, and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with delicious smells and leaves everyone at the table satisfied and happy. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this casserole has got you covered. So grab your Crock Pot, throw in those ingredients, and let it do all the hard work for you!

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