The Ultimate Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Brace yourself for a mouthwatering beef Lombardi casserole that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Hearty layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese create a comforting masterpiece.

Nonna’s secret recipe whispers tales of southern kitchens and warm family gatherings.

Robust flavors mingle effortlessly in this classic comfort dish.

Cheese bubbles tantalizingly across the top, promising a crisp golden crust.

Weeknight dinners just became extraordinary with this simple yet spectacular meal.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible casserole that feels like a culinary hug.

Side Dishes That Elevate Your Lombardi Bake

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty beef lombardi casserole as the star of your weeknight meal, perfect for gathering loved ones around the table and enjoying comfort food together.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Slice into generous portions and pair with a crisp green salad, making it an ideal dish for feeding hungry friends during sports events or casual gatherings.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches or freeze portions for future easy meals that reheat beautifully without losing flavor or texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld and creating an effortless dinner solution for busy households.

Tips for Staying Fresh Until Mealtime

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Refrigerator Reheating: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Oven Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, remove covering, place in a preheated 350°F oven, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What are the main ingredients in Beef Lombardi Casserole?

The main ingredients include ground beef, egg noodles, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese, creating a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of pasta, beef, and cheese makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults, with mild seasonings that aren’t too spicy.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Beef Lombardi Casserole: Bold and Hearty

• Comfort Food Champion: Beef Lombardi delivers pure home-cooked warmth with its hearty layers of pasta, rich beef, and melted cheese that bring everyone together around the dinner table.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: This one-pan wonder saves precious minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making dinner preparation stress-free and deliciously satisfying.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the crowd-pleasing combination of tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese that makes every bite irresistible.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinners, this casserole adapts easily and serves a hungry group without complicated preparation techniques.

Ingredients List for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the savory base of this classic casserole.
• Egg Noodles: Soft, wide noodles that provide a comforting pasta foundation for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich, tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: Creamy ingredients that contribute richness and a smooth texture to the noodle layer.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Onion, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: A flavorful combination that creates a robust and well-seasoned meat sauce for the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the beef and onions, adding a subtle depth of flavor.

Clear Steps to Build Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect cooking environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and ground beef.

Cook until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain away any extra fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Create a Flavorful Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and become rich and delicious.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Noodle Base

• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese

Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, tangy noodle layer.

Step 5: Build the Casserole Layers

Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading the creamy noodle mixture as the first layer.

Top it with the savory beef sauce.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole.

Make sure it’s evenly distributed for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and develops a beautiful golden color.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your hearty, comforting Beef Lombardi Casserole!

Insider Hack for Rich, Savory Flavor

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
• Use full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese for richer, creamier flavor that enhances the dish's comfort food appeal.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique taste variations.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top for extra brightness and color contrast.
• Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes after baking, which helps set layers and makes serving easier without falling apart.

Creative Spinoffs to Try Tonight

• Vegetarian Lombardi: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that keeps the classic casserole flavors.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Swap: Substitute egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of cumin for a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

Quick Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole combines classic Southern comfort with rich, layered flavors that satisfy deep hunger. Pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese create a memorable meal families will eagerly devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cottage cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) cooked egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F, preparing a comfortable cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Place a large skillet on medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and introduce diced onions and ground beef, sautéing until the meat transforms into a rich, caramelized brown.
3. Eliminate excess grease from the skillet, then infuse the meat with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a harmonious blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, delicately combine cooked egg noodles with a creamy mixture of sour cream and cottage cheese.
6. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing its surface, then create a foundation with the noodle mixture.
7. Cascade the seasoned beef mixture over the noodle layer, ensuring an even distribution.
8. Crown the casserole with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
9. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the flavors settle before serving.

Notes

• Customize the heat by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make this a lighter, leaner dish that’s friendly for different dietary needs.
• For a gluten-free version, replace traditional egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives that maintain the casserole’s comforting texture.
• Prep this dish ahead of time by assembling everything in the baking dish and refrigerating, then bake when you’re ready for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves time on busy nights.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 448 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg