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
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.
