With just a handful of simple ingredients, angel beef casserole delivers layers of comfort in every bite—tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes to golden perfection. The crispy panko topping adds just the right crunch, making this beef pasta bake a weeknight hero that feels like a hug on a plate.
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic, breaking it into crumbles, until no pink remains (about 7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until smooth.
Layer half the cooked noodles in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then top with the remaining noodles.
Pour the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the top layer of noodles, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
Toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This casserole freezes beautifully! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through.