There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty casserole straight out of the oven, and this Easy Angel Beef Casserole is no exception! It’s an oven-baked twist on our beloved Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, this simple, delicious dish is sure to be a hit.
Let’s dive in and make some magic in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef, browned and drained
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry (or substitute with beef broth)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 oz package Italian dressing mix
- 7 cups frozen tater tots (keep them frozen)
How to Make Easy Angel Beef Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, melted butter, cooking sherry (or beef broth), cream of mushroom soup, and Italian dressing mix. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend everything until smooth.
- Add the browned and drained ground beef to the mixture and stir gently until the beef is well coated.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the beef and cream cheese mixture into the dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single layer.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then rotate the baking dish and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes. Bake until the tater tots are crispy and golden to your liking.
Optional: If you want an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so the tater tots don’t burn!
Details And Nutritional Information
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Optional Broiling Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8-10
- Category: Main
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 10 servings)
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 26g
- Sugar: 1g
- Cholesterol: 93mg
Helpful Tips
- Sherry substitute: If you don’t have cooking sherry on hand, beef broth works perfectly as a substitute and still adds great flavor.
- Cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Tater tot crispness: The longer you bake, the crispier the tater tots! For extra crunch, broil for a couple of minutes at the end.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add vegetables: Mix in some frozen peas, carrots, or corn to sneak in more veggies for the family.
- Different protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheesy goodness: For an extra cheesy casserole, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the tater tots before baking.
- Low carb version: If you’re cutting down on carbs, swap the tater tots with roasted cauliflower or low-carb hash browns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the tater tots and then store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add the frozen tater tots and pop it in the oven.
What if I don’t have an Italian dressing mix?
If you don’t have a pre-packaged Italian dressing mix, you can easily substitute it with a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! To freeze, assemble the casserole, but hold off on baking it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
If you’ve made extra and want to freeze individual portions, simply store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the microwave or oven.
More Comforting Casserole Recipes
If you love a good casserole, check out these other comforting dishes:
- Healthy Broccoli and Cheese Soup: A Creamy Comfort Food
There you have it! A simple, hearty, and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the crispy tater tots, creamy beef, and all the rich flavors packed into this casserole. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to keep on rotation for those cozy dinners at home!
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Easy Angel Beef Casserole: A Delicious Oven-Baked Comfort Food
- Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting, oven-baked dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef, cream cheese, and crispy tater tots, it’s a family favorite that’s simple to prepare and packed with delicious flavors. Serve it at your next gathering or whip it up for an easy dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef, browned and drained
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry or beef broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 oz package Italian dressing mix
- 7 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, cooking sherry (or broth), cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and Italian dressing mix. Mix with a hand or stand mixer until well combined.
- Add browned ground beef to the mixture and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with frozen tater tots, spreading them evenly over the beef mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then rotate the dish and bake for another 10-20 minutes, until the tater tots reach your desired crispness.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to make the tater tots extra crispy.
Notes
- Substitute cooking sherry with beef broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Add extra vegetables like peas or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
- For extra crispiness, broil the tater tots for the final 2-3 minutes.
- Nutritional information may vary depending on the brands and specific ingredients you use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 10 servings)
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Cholesterol: 93mg