Mediterranean Delicious Angel Beef Casserole
This Mediterranean-inspired beef casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender ground beef, pasta, creamy mushroom sauce, and melty cheese in one satisfying bake. Using simple pantry ingredients like pasta and cream of mushroom soup, it comes together quickly, while Mediterranean touches such as olive oil, garlic, and paprika add a subtle depth of flavor. The casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals and is flexible enough to adapt to your taste or what vegetables you have on hand. Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, it’s a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
Meat
1–1.5 lbs ground beef
Pasta
8 oz uncooked pasta (egg noodles, elbow macaroni, or angel hair) or 2 cups cooked pasta
Vegetables / Aromatics
1 small onion, chopped
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
Soups / Liquids
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
Dairy
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (half for mixing, half for topping)
Optional: ½ cup sour cream for added creaminess
Seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
½–1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika or chili powder (optional, for depth)
Fat
1–2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Combine the sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and optional sour cream. Mix until smooth and simmer for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning with paprika or chili powder.
Add pasta to skillet: Stir the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce mixture until evenly coated. Remove from heat.
Mix in cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a creamy base.
Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a Mediterranean touch.
Tips
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
Don’t overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven.
If you like extra creamy casseroles, add ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
Sauté onions until translucent to enhance sweetness.
For deeper flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef.
Mix the pasta and sauce thoroughly so each bite is coated.
For a lighter option, use half beef and half ground turkey or chicken.
Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to firm up.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese topping for a crunchy layer.
Freshly cracked black pepper adds more depth than pre-ground.
Variations
Vegetable Boost: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
Mediterranean Twist: Stir in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Cheese Mix: Combine cheddar with mozzarella, feta, or Gruyère for a richer flavor.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.
Creamier Version: Add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Herb Flavor: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant Mediterranean note.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is GF.
Meat Variation: Replace ground beef with lamb or a mix of beef and lamb for a Mediterranean flair.
Topping Upgrade: Mix panko with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle on top for a golden crust.
Q&A
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before baking or after baking. Reheat in the oven until hot.
Can I use other pasta?
Yes. Egg noodles, elbow macaroni, penne, or angel hair all work.
Can I make it spicier?
Add chili powder, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeños.
Is sour cream necessary?
No. It adds creaminess but can be skipped for a lighter dish.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts better.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Replace beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
What if my casserole is too runny?
Add more cheese, or a teaspoon of flour/cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Can I add herbs?
Yes. Fresh parsley, oregano, or thyme complements the Mediterranean flavor.
Can I serve it with something else?
Yes. A side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread pairs well.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving, 6 servings)
Calories: 420–480
Protein: 28–32 g
Carbohydrates: 28–32 g
Fat: 20–24 g
Fiber: 2–4 g
Sodium: Varies based on soup and cheese brands
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Delicious Angel Beef Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that works for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Its creamy mushroom sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted cheese create a hearty base, while garlic, olive oil, and paprika provide subtle Mediterranean depth. The recipe is flexible: you can customize it with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins. It also stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep. Each bite is rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, earning it a spot in your regular dinner rotation.