1. Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Mix the Creamy Layer:
- In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the cooked angel hair pasta in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Layer half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the pasta.
- Spread the sour cream and cream cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Add the remaining pasta on top, followed by the rest of the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips for Success
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Add Veggies: For added nutrition, mix in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini into the beef mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out the mozzarella for cheddar or use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a fantastic dish for family dinners, offering layers of cheesy, meaty goodness with tender angel hair pasta. It’s easy to make, versatile, and will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal!