Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheating the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you assemble your casserole.
2. Browning the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks and drain off any excess fat.
3. Preparing the Creamy Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, melted butter, and the Italian dressing mix. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
4. Assembling the Casserole
Once the beef is cooked and the sauce is mixed, transfer the beef into the greased baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the beef and gently stir it together.
5. Adding Tater Tots as a Topping
Top the casserole with a generous layer of frozen tater tots, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. This will ensure you get a crispy, golden topping after baking.
6. Baking and Serving
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Angel Beef Casserole
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Don’t skip draining the fat: This step is essential to avoid a greasy casserole.
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Use high-quality tater tots: For the crispiest topping, go with a brand you trust, and bake the casserole on the middle rack.
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Season to taste: Feel free to add extra seasoning like garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper to the beef while it browns.
Variations and Recipe Swaps
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Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute, and use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom for a twist.
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Spicy Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture for a little heat.
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Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese into the beef and sauce mixture or sprinkle some on top before adding the tater tots for extra indulgence.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with a dish this good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply pop a portion into the microwave for a couple of minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Food and Drink Pairings
This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. For drinks, a glass of iced tea or a light red wine like Pinot Noir complements the savory flavors wonderfully.
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