Meet your next family favorite: Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole. It’s a classic comfort dish that brings together the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave with the ease of hands-off cooking. Imagine tender angel hair pasta nestled in a savory blend of seasoned beef, tangy sour cream, and melted mozzarella, all infused with the rich flavor of cream of mushroom soup. Thanks to the trusty slow cooker, this hearty casserole develops an irresistibly creamy texture while you go about your day. If you love a meal that’s both soul-warming and effortless, this casserole is one you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, delivering delicious flavor, velvety texture, and crave-worthy cheesiness in every bite.
- Ground beef: Brings rich, hearty flavor and protein to the casserole—go for an 85/15 blend for best results.
- Onion: A small, finely chopped onion adds natural sweetness and softness, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for deep, aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the sauce lusciously creamy and tangy.
- Sour cream: Gives the casserole a light tang and smooth richness that balances the beef and cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a layer of savory, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The classic casserole base, it adds earthiness and keeps the mixture extra moist.
- Beef broth: Infuses the dish with even more savory depth while ensuring everything stays juicy.
- Angel hair pasta: Broken into thirds and cooked al dente, it weaves everything together in delicate, satisfying strands.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Infuses the casserole with herby brightness.
- Black pepper: Just a hint, for warmth and subtle bite.
- Salt: Rounds out the flavors perfectly—taste and adjust as you go.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that golden, gooey top layer everyone loves.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness.
How to Make Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, breaking up the beef, until it’s fully browned and the onions have softened. This step not only locks in big, meaty flavor but also develops a savory backbone for your Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole. Make sure to drain off any excess grease for a lighter, less oily dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce Base
In a roomy mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Stir until smooth and creamy—this will become the luscious sauce that envelops every bite of pasta and beef. The secret here is to keep mixing until you get a velvety base with no lumps for the ultimate sauce consistency.
Step 3: Mix in Pasta, Seasonings, and Beef
To the creamy sauce, add your cooked (but still firm!) angel hair pasta, dried Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Now, fold in the beef mixture you cooked earlier. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure that each strand of pasta and every piece of beef gets coated in that dreamy sauce. This creates an incredibly harmonious blend of flavors for your Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole.
Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease your slow cooker insert to prevent sticking. Spoon the combined mixture into the crock, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover with the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic on low for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s perfect when everything is bubbly, the flavors are fully melded, and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, take off the lid and scatter the shredded mozzarella over the top. Recover and let the cheese melt into a golden, bubbly blanket. If you love a melty finish, let it sit a little longer before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the finished Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole for a burst of fresh color and flavor. Now just spoon it up—your family is sure to swoon!
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley on top brings both color and a burst of herbal brightness, balancing the richness of the casserole. If you like, add a few shavings of extra Parmesan or a grind of black pepper right at the table. These little touches make every portion of Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole look and taste that much more special.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs perfectly, cutting through the creamy richness of the casserole. For something heartier, add a side of garlic bread or warm dinner rolls—to soak up every last drop of sauce, of course. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli also make bright, fresh partners to this comforting casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole into individual ramekins for a fun dinner party twist. Or serve it family-style in your best ceramic casserole dish for extra homey vibes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle the top with crushed fried onions or crispy bacon bits before serving for a little extra crunch and wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cool the casserole completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready for round two, you’ll find the flavors have deepened—making leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can freeze portions of Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole with great results. Simply spoon cooled servings into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently for a quick, satisfying meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions until steaming hot, or warm larger portions in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F. If the casserole seems thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen it up and restore that creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While angel hair gives the casserole its signature texture, you can swap in spaghetti or even penne—just cook it al dente so it holds up in the slow cooker.
Is it possible to make Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a hearty plant-based crumble or cooked lentils, and opt for vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still enjoy a creamy, satisfying meal.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook your angel hair just until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking. This keeps it perfectly tender, not mushy, after hours in the crock pot.
Can I prep Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole the night before?
Definitely! Assemble everything up to the point of slow cooking and store covered in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it into your slow cooker and cook as directed when ready.
What are some tasty add-ins?
Sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or frozen peas are all fantastic additions. They boost nutrition and add new layers of flavor without any extra fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that basically cooks itself, you’ll absolutely adore Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole. It’s the kind of inviting, cheesy meal that draws everyone to the table and leaves you with happy, empty plates. Give it a try, and watch it become a regular star in your dinner rotation!
Print
Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and hearty meal with this delicious Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the aromas wafting through your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta, broken into thirds and cooked al dente
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Mix until smooth. Add cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked beef mixture.
- Slow Cook: Transfer the mixture to a greased slow cooker. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, top with mozzarella cheese. Cover until melted. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or chopped spinach.
- Use gluten-free pasta if necessary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
