If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that practically makes itself, look no further than this Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfectly seasoned with herbs and Worcestershire sauce, all mingling with tender elbow macaroni. Then, gooey layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese bring everything together for a warm, cheesy embrace you’ll want to dive into again and again. This dish not only fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas but also guarantees a hearty, satisfying dinner with very little fuss.

Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients are the secret to this recipe’s charm. Each component is essential, contributing flavor, texture, or vibrant color that transforms humble pantry staples into a truly memorable casserole.

2 lbs ground beef: The hearty foundation bringing savory richness and protein to the dish.
1 onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor as it softens.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Creates the luscious, tangy base of the sauce.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds texture and bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
1 cup beef broth: Enhances the meatiness while keeping the casserole moist.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses savory umami that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
1 tablespoon dried basil: Offers an aromatic herbal note that brightens the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian-inspired flavor depth.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat without overpowering.
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked: The perfect pasta shape for absorbing sauce and maintaining bite.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, stringy goodness.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish both melted inside and as a topping.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, bright garnish to lift the richness.

How to Make Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. This base layer packs a lot of flavor that will infuse your whole casserole.

Step 2: Combine everything in the Crock Pot

Transfer your savory beef mixture into the Crock Pot, then add the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir so those herbs and spices are well distributed, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that will surround the pasta as it cooks.

Step 3: Add macaroni and start cooking

Next, stir the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the Crock Pot. The pasta will absorb all the wonderful flavors while cooking, making every bite perfectly saucy. Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This slow, gentle heat is key to tender, perfectly cooked pasta and a thickened sauce.

Step 4: Add the cheese and finish cooking

Once your macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle in the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Give it a gentle stir, cover again, and let it cook for about 10 more minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbly topping that’s utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Before serving, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley on top. The parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that balances the rich cheese and beef sauce beautifully.

How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

To brighten and elevate the presentation, fresh chopped parsley is an excellent choice. It adds a lovely burst of green and a fresh herbal note. If you want a little more zing, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add just the right kick without taking over the cozy vibe of the casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables brings balance and freshness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a wonderful side idea that’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve your Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe straight from a beautiful ceramic baking dish or rustic cast iron skillet to showcase the bubbly melted cheese on top. Individual ramekins or mini crock pots can also make fun, personalized servings that wow guests and keep the casserole perfectly warm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes weekday lunches or quick dinners a breeze, as the flavors actually deepen and improve overnight.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. Divide into portion-sized containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This is a fantastic option for meal prepping during busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through or place the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed and bubbly again. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese if you like that fresh-from-the-oven melt.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and works perfectly here, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne are great substitutes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as cooking times can vary depending on the shape and size.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based grounds or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils for a satisfying vegetarian version. To keep the rich flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or additional Worcestershire sauce (look for vegetarian versions) for umami.

Can I prepare this recipe without using a Crock Pot?

While it’s made for the Crock Pot’s slow cooking magic, you can make it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven. Just brown the beef and aromatics as usual, add everything to a large pot or oven-safe dish, and cook covered on low heat, stirring occasionally, or bake at 350°F until pasta is tender and sauce thickened.

Should I drain the pasta before adding it to the Crock Pot?

No need to drain the pasta here because it’s uncooked when added directly to the Crock Pot. The pasta will cook perfectly by absorbing the sauce and broth during the slow cooking process, resulting in maximum flavor infusion.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?

Definitely! If you have fresh basil and oregano on hand, use about three times the amount of dried herbs called for, since fresh herbs are less concentrated. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors for the best taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and this Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe delivers just that. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavors that complement each other beautifully, and melts together into an utterly comforting experience that everyone at your table will love. I hope you give it a try and make it a regular in your dinner rotation—you’re going to adore how effortless and delicious it is!

Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 41 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Crock Pot Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it delivers a flavorful, cheesy casserole ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Cheese

1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (Optional)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brown the beef and sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the flavor base for the casserole.
Transfer to Crock Pot and add liquids and spices: Move the browned beef mixture to the Crock Pot. Add the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
Add macaroni: Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the beef mixture in the Crock Pot, mixing thoroughly so the pasta is surrounded by the sauce.
Slow cook the casserole: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. Cook until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened to a hearty consistency.
Incorporate cheeses and finish cooking: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the Crock Pot again and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese has melted completely and the casserole is bubbly and creamy.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and optionally, the chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, bright finish. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Notes

Make sure to drain the fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
Using uncooked macaroni allows the pasta to fully absorb the flavors during the slow cooking process.
If preferred, you can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
The parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh note to the dish.
For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American