Angel Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling (Time: 20 minutes)

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes (Time: 20 minutes)

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole (Time: 10 minutes)

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Layer the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the beef filling evenly across the bottom. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them out to cover the beef completely.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole (Time: 30 minutes)

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

2. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set a bit for easier serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Angel Beef Casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with steamed green beans or a vegetable medley for added nutrition.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 650mg

Tips and Variations

• Make it Healthier: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to reduce fat content. You can also use low-fat cream of mushroom soup.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add More Flavor: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or parsley to the beef filling for additional flavor.
• Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it, but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Angel Beef Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your cooking