Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite Feast

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty beef lombardi casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, the recipe blends perfectly seasoned ground beef and tender pasta in a creamy sauce.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that makes every bite irresistible.

The dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Layers of pasta, meat, and cheese create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Variations To Explore

• Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same spice profile and layering technique for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, swap chili powder for chipotle powder, and incorporate pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole with extra heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute noodles with riced cauliflower or cauliflower mac, keeping the rich beef and cheese layers while reducing carbohydrate content for keto enthusiasts.

Serving Beef Lombardi Casserole Creatively

• Family-Style Comfort Feast: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls for a complete meal experience.
• Veggie Companion Plate: Add roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad to balance the hearty casserole's richness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with extra fresh parsley, chopped chives, or green onions to enhance visual appeal and add a fresh herb touch.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Match with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the beef's robust flavors.

Tips To Store Beef Lombardi Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing foil last 5 minutes for cheese crispiness.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F. Add splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, Beef Lombardi Casserole is perfect for children. The mild seasonings and cheesy layers make it appealing to young palates, and it’s an easy way to get kids to eat protein and vegetables.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole completely and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the most flavor. This ratio ensures the meat stays juicy and doesn’t dry out during cooking.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Fresh Flavor Notes

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Dive into a rich, satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth with layers of tender beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to family preferences or pantry contents.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Whip up a crowd-favorite dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, making dinner time a breeze for busy households.
• Crowd-Feeding Champion: This generous casserole serves multiple people, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.

Must-Have Ingredients For Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that provides a soft and satisfying foundation for the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a rich, gooey topping with delicious flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a tangy and robust tomato base for the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Oregano, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that add depth and complexity to the beef mixture.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Create a smooth and creamy layer that adds richness to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Helps to cook the beef and onions with a light, fresh flavor.
• Onion: Adds a savory and aromatic element to the beef mixture.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh garnish that brings a pop of color and herbaceous note to the finished dish.

Steps For Beef Lombardi Casserole Success

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

This will ensure the perfect cooking environment for your mouthwatering casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Grab a large skillet and drizzle some olive oil.

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Sizzle and cook until the beef turns a rich brown and onions become soft and translucent.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

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

Let everything simmer and dance together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to get to know each other.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a bowl, blend sour cream and cream cheese until smooth and dreamy.

This will be your secret weapon for a luxurious casserole.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it up.

• Spread cooked egg noodles as the first layer
• Dollop the sour cream and cream cheese mixture over the noodles
• Pour the beef and tomato sauce on top, making sure it's evenly distributed

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Cover the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling with excitement and the cheese turns golden and melty.

Step 8: Finish with a Flourish

Just before serving, scatter some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Beef Lombardi Casserole!

Lombardi Casserole Handy Prep Tips

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Whisk sour cream and cream cheese until fully combined for a silky, lump-free base that spreads evenly across noodles.
• Adjust spices like garlic powder and chili powder to match your taste preferences without overwhelming the beef flavor.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting and avoid pre-packaged shredded cheese, which can be less creamy.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the rich casserole.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole brings southern comfort straight to dinner tables with rich layers of ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese. Comfort cuisine reaches new heights when families gather around this classic southern dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (8 oz) egg noodles
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Canned Ingredients:

• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounces) can tomato paste
• 1 (10 ounces) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Optional Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven to 350°F, ensuring rack is positioned in the center.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing ground beef and onions until meat browns thoroughly and onions become translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from skillet, then incorporate tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings, allowing mixture to simmer and develop complex flavors for 5 minutes.
4. Whisk sour cream and cream cheese in a separate bowl until achieving a uniform, creamy consistency.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an initial layer of cooked egg noodles across the bottom.
6. Spread the smooth cream cheese and sour cream mixture evenly over the noodle foundation.
7. Carefully distribute the seasoned beef and tomato mixture across the creamy noodle base, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Generously scatter shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the entire casserole surface.
9. Transfer casserole to preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty essence.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions while keeping the comforting texture.
• Toast spices briefly in the skillet before adding other ingredients to unlock deeper, more complex flavor notes in the beef mixture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 45816
• Calories: 1
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 7 mg
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Cholesterol: 1 mg