Delicious Angel Beef Casserole

### Instructions:

**1. Preheat the Oven:**
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that it’s hot and ready for your casserole once it’s assembled.

**2. Brown the Beef:**
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and add the finely chopped onion. Cook the onions with the beef for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme (if using). Stir to combine.

**3. Prepare the Sauce:**
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen it up. Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the sauce, stirring to incorporate.

**4. Combine Everything:**
Add the cooked beef and onions into the sauce mixture, stirring until evenly combined. Then, fold in the cooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and all the ingredients are mixed together evenly.

**5. Assemble the Casserole:**
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring that it’s well-distributed in the dish.

**6. Add the Topping:**
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give the casserole a crispy, golden topping as it bakes.

**7. Bake the Casserole:**
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the casserole is heated through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the entire dish should have a nice, golden finish.

**8. Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to set and make it easier to cut into portions. Serve hot with a side salad or your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

### Tips for Perfect Angel Beef Casserole:

– **Use Lean Meat:** If you’re looking for a healthier version of this dish, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also opt for a plant-based ground meat alternative if you prefer a vegetarian version.

– **Add Extra Veggies:** Feel free to add more vegetables to your casserole. You can mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to make it even heartier and more nutritious.

– **Customize the Cheese:** While cheddar is a classic choice for casseroles, you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.

– **Make Ahead:** This casserole can easily be made in advance. Simply prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

– **Double the Recipe:** If you’re feeding a large group or want leftovers, feel free to double the ingredients and make a larger casserole. It’s also a great dish to freeze for later. Just assemble and freeze before baking, and then bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat.

### Why You Should Try Angel Beef Casserole:

*Angel Beef Casserole* is an easy, hearty, and flavorful meal that brings together comfort food with the convenience of a simple, one-dish recipe. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a dish to take to a potluck, this casserole is a perfect choice. It’s filling, versatile, and packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy.

The tender beef, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping combine to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, with the option to customize it with your favorite vegetables and cheeses, you can make this casserole your own. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, easy to serve, and always a hit.

### Conclusion:

*Delicious Angel Beef Casserole* is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. With its creamy sauce, tender beef, and flavorful cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your family’s meal rotation. Whether you make it as a weeknight dinner or prepare it ahead of time for a special gathering, you can’t go wrong with this tasty and comforting casserole. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors in every bite!