The Ultimate Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Hearty comfort food meets southern beef Lombardi casserole magic in this delightful dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Pasta and ground meat create a symphony of flavors dancing across your plate.

Cheese melts into every delectable corner, promising a creamy experience.

Noodles nestle perfectly with seasoned beef, creating layers of mouthwatering goodness.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Come hungry and leave happy – this casserole awaits you.

Step-by-Step Beef Lombardi Casserole Guide

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Brown The Beef And Onions

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions

Cook over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the meat until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Build The Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Let this saucy mixture simmer and get all cozy for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Layer The Casserole Base

Grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread out your cooked macaroni. Generously spread a layer of sour cream over the noodles.

Step 5: Add The Meaty Goodness

Spoon the beef and tomato sauce mixture right on top of the sour cream layer.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and turning a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Scatter some sliced green onions on top and serve this comforting masterpiece piping hot. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and enhance the dish's overall texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if you enjoy spicier meals.
• Choose full-fat sour cream for a richer, creamier layer that binds the ingredients perfectly.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option without compromising flavor.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Creative Spins on Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Turkey Lombardi: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, healthier protein option.
• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Swap beef for black beans, quinoa, and diced bell peppers to create a plant-based version with similar flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Bake: Substitute macaroni with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and add more vegetables to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Edition: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Suggested Pairings for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Comfort Feast Gathering: Perfect for family dinner nights, serve this hearty casserole with warm crusty bread to soak up delicious sauce and create a complete meal experience.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community events or gatherings where people love easy, filling comfort food that travels well and satisfies multiple appetites.
• Game Day Champion: Ideal for sports watching parties, this casserole offers substantial portions that keep hungry fans happy during exciting matches with its rich, cheesy goodness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra portions, divide into individual containers, and store in refrigerator for quick weekday lunches that reheat beautifully and maintain incredible flavor.

Proper Storage for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.
• Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep the dish from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Cover the container with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for extra protection.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• For oven reheating, preheat to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Is Beef Lombardi considered a comfort food?

Yes, it’s a classic American casserole with hearty ingredients like beef, pasta, and cheese that provides a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add some red pepper flakes, increase the chili powder, or mix in diced jalapeños to give the casserole an extra kick of heat.

• What makes the sour cream layer special in this recipe?

The sour cream adds a creamy, tangy element that helps bind the layers together and provides a rich, smooth texture to the casserole.

Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Satisfy Comfort Cravings: This hearty beef casserole delivers rich, comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals your family will absolutely love.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, anyone can create this delicious dish without complicated cooking techniques.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinners, this casserole serves a crowd and impresses with its cheesy, meaty goodness.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and a single baking dish mean less time cooking and more time enjoying a delectable meal together.

Ingredients in Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this delicious casserole.
• Macaroni: The classic pasta that provides a comforting foundation for the dish.
• Sour Cream: A creamy layer that adds richness and tanginess to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: These melty cheeses create a golden, bubbly topping that brings ultimate comfort to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: These tomato products create a robust and flavorful sauce for the beef.
• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

• Onion: Adds depth and savory notes to the beef mixture.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that provides a mild onion flavor and bright color.

Cheesy Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole brings classic comfort from Southern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Cheesy pasta layers meld with savory ground beef, creating a satisfying meal you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Tomato Base:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces/170 grams) tomato paste

Pasta and Dairy:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) elbow macaroni (cooked)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring an even cooking environment.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onions, carefully draining any excess fat to maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
3. Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating tomatoes, tomato sauce, paste, and seasonings. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, developing deep, robust flavors.
4. Create the first layer in a greased casserole dish by spreading cooked macaroni as a foundational base.
5. Distribute a smooth, creamy layer of sour cream evenly across the pasta, providing a luxurious texture.
6. Carefully spread the seasoned beef mixture over the sour cream, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Generously top the casserole with a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, creating a golden, melty surface.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
9. Finish by garnishing with freshly sliced green onions, adding a final touch of color and freshness before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder for spice-sensitive palates or those craving more kick.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier protein alternatives.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble quickly for a stress-free weeknight dinner solution.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 402 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 486 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg