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