There’s something about a bubbling, creamy casserole that just feels like home. The smell wafting from the oven, the golden top just beginning to crisp, and the creamy sauce wrapping around every strand of pasta—it’s nostalgia baked into a dish. Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is one of those weeknight wonders that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. With tender angel hair pasta, savory ground beef, and a luscious cream cheese-tomato blend, this casserole is the kind of meal that draws everyone to the table before you’ve even called them.

This recipe is inspired by the idea of combining rich, creamy pasta comfort with the heartiness of a meaty sauce. It’s not just a quick dinner—it’s the kind of cozy, satisfying dish that turns any evening into something special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or batch-cooking for the week, this casserole delivers both flavor and comfort in generous portions.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
8 ounces angel hair pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook just until al dente, about 3–4 minutes. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Create the sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Make the creamy layer: In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Assemble the casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer 1: Spread half of the cooked angel hair pasta in the bottom of the dish.
Layer 2: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
Layer 3: Add half of the meat sauce over the creamy layer.
Repeat: Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish & serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks:

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta continues cooking in the oven, keep it slightly underdone during boiling.
Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Cheese swap: Feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar for a sharper cheese flavor.
Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers blend beautifully into the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.

Variations:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for heat lovers.
Chicken Twist: Substitute the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken and use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato for a creamy white casserole.
Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta for a lighter version that still satisfies.
Tex-Mex Style: Mix in taco seasoning and top with a sprinkle of cheddar and crushed tortilla chips.

Delicious Angel Beef Casserole

A creamy, comforting casserole with angel hair pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich cheese-tomato sauce baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Casserole

1 lb ground beef
8 oz angel hair pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
4 oz cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Baking dish
Skillet
Saucepan

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook angel hair pasta until al dente; drain and toss with olive oil.
Brown ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink; drain fat.
Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
Stir in tomato sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer 5–7 minutes.
Mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Layer pasta, creamy mixture, and sauce; repeat layers.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan; cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Rich, creamy, and perfectly comforting for weeknights or family dinners.

Serving Suggestions:
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a side of buttery garlic bread. It also makes an excellent potluck dish because it reheats wonderfully and feeds a crowd. For a cozy dinner, serve it with roasted vegetables and a glass of red wine.

Storage Information:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved in 1-minute intervals.

FAQ:
Can I use another pasta type?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne work fine—just be mindful of cooking times.

Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes, substitute ricotta or a mix of cottage cheese and a splash of heavy cream for similar creaminess.

What makes this casserole “angel”?
It’s named after the delicate angel hair pasta that gives the dish a light, elegant texture beneath the hearty sauce.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Don’t skip the sour cream and cream cheese layer—it keeps everything moist and creamy during baking.

History / Fun Facts:
Casseroles have been family staples in America since the early 20th century, beloved for their simplicity and ability to stretch ingredients. The idea of layering pasta, sauce, and cheese came from Italian-American influences, but this particular angel beef casserole puts a modern twist on that comfort classic by using angel hair pasta instead of heavier noodles. The cream cheese addition became popular in midwestern kitchens in the 1970s, when homemakers began experimenting with more decadent, creamy sauces. Today, it remains a comforting reminder of that golden era of family dinners—simple, hearty, and made with love.

Every bite of Delicious Angel Beef Casserole tells a story of cozy evenings, bubbling ovens, and a kitchen that smells like pure comfort. It’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone together, one forkful at a time.

Delicious Angel Beef Casserole – A Heavenly Comfort Classic