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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F, preparing a comfortable cooking environment for the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, delicately combine cooked egg noodles with a creamy mixture of sour cream and cottage cheese.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing its surface, then create a foundation with the noodle mixture.
- Cascade the seasoned beef mixture over the noodle layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Crown the casserole with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- 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