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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, cooking thoroughly until evenly browned, then drain accumulated fat.
- 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.
- Create a creamy blend by combining sour cream and cottage cheese in a separate mixing bowl.
- Construct the first foundation layer by evenly spreading half of the cooked egg noodles across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- 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.
- Replicate the layering process with remaining noodles, beef, and cream mixture, then generously top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- 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