The Best Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting an irresistible beef Lombardi casserole brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.

Layers of tender pasta, rich ground beef, and melted cheese create a hearty meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Southern kitchens have long cherished this classic dish for its simplicity and robust flavors.

Pasta noodles catch savory tomato sauce while beef provides deep, satisfying protein that makes everyone at the table smile.

Cheese bubbles and browns, creating a golden-brown crust that promises deliciousness in every single bite.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing casserole in under an hour.

Dive into this nostalgic recipe that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Beef Lombardi Casserole?

The key ingredients include ground beef, egg noodles, sour cream, cottage cheese, tomatoes, onions, cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices like chili powder, salt, and pepper.

• Is this recipe good for a family meal?

Yes, Beef Lombardi Casserole is perfect for family dinners. It’s hearty, filling, and easy to make in a large 9×13-inch baking dish that can feed 6-8 people.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Satisfying Beef Lombardi Casserole Moments

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty casserole that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen stress, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal.
• Layer Like a Pro: Easy step-by-step layering technique makes this recipe foolproof, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish that impresses family and friends.
• Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Packed with rich flavors and protein-packed ingredients, this casserole suits all ages, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone wants seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps or additions, letting creative cooks personalize the dish while maintaining its comforting core essence.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the primary flavor and substance of the casserole.
• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that creates the comforting base of the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds richness and a golden topping.

• Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: A creamy mixture that adds tanginess and smooth texture to the casserole.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a robust and aromatic foundation for the beef mixture.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Add moisture and a deep tomato flavor to the beef layer.
• Chili Powder, Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Green Onions: An optional fresh garnish that adds a light, crisp finish.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and prevent sticking.

Step-By-Step Guide To Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil and toss in chopped onions.

Let them dance and soften over medium heat until they turn translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color.

Drain away any extra fat to keep the dish light.

Step 4: Build Flavor Profile

• Minced garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer until it thickens and develops deep, complex flavors.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Layer

In a separate bowl, blend sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Create First Noodle Layer

Spread half of the cooked egg noodles across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add First Meat Layer

Spoon half of the seasoned beef mixture over the noodles, creating an even blanket of meaty goodness.

Step 8: Apply Creamy Topping

Dollop half of the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture on top of the beef layer.

Step 9: Repeat Layering

Repeat steps 6-8 with the remaining noodles, beef, and creamy mixture.

Step 10: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions.

Serve piping hot directly from the baking dish for maximum comfort food appeal.

Tips For Perfecting Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a soggy casserole and keep the dish lighter.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting easier.
• Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the beef's richness.
• Cook egg noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for deeper flavor integration.

Variations To Experiment With Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Vegetarian Lombardi: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a meatless version that maintains robust flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to create a celiac-friendly casserole that's equally satisfying and delicious.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice instead of noodles and substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish creamy and flavorful.
• Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and incorporate taco seasoning to transform the classic recipe into a spicier, southwestern-style casserole with bold, zesty notes.

Serving Suggestions That Enhance Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Family Feast Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brings everyone to the table.
• Cozy Comfort Pairing: Complement the rich beef flavors with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright pop of color and added herbal freshness that elevates the entire dish.
• Wine Companion Choice: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to enhance the robust beef and tomato flavors of this comforting casserole.

Storing Beef Lombardi Casserole The Smart Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole brings comfort from Southern kitchens with rich layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Warm, satisfying flavors invite you to savor this classic dish that promises both simplicity and deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces or 170 grams) tomato paste

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, cooking thoroughly until evenly browned, then drain accumulated fat.
4. Enhance the meat mixture by adding garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
5. Create a creamy blend by combining sour cream and cottage cheese in a separate mixing bowl.
6. Construct the first foundation layer by evenly spreading half of the cooked egg noodles across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture directly over the noodle layer, followed by an even spread of the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture.
8. Replicate the layering process with remaining noodles, beef, and cream mixture, then generously top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving the hot casserole.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Use full-fat dairy for maximum creaminess and richness in the sour cream and cottage cheese layer.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or pepper jack for added complexity and subtle heat.
• For a gluten-free version, replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make the dish low-carb friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 515 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg