Simple Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe – A Family Dinner Winner

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering beef Lombardi casserole that promises to become a weeknight dinner staple.

Hearty ground beef simmers with rich tomato sauce and tender pasta, creating layers of robust flavor.

Melted cheese blankets the casserole, delivering a golden, crispy top that beckons everyone to the table.

Weeknight meals rarely taste this spectacular without complicated preparation.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with simple ingredients.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of meaty, cheesy goodness that satisfies deep hunger.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a memorable feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Perfect Pairings for Beef Casserole

• Savor Bold Red Wine Pairing: Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complement the rich beef flavors, cutting through the casserole's creaminess with their tannic structure and creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Complement with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light, tangy green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole, providing a refreshing contrast and adding nutritional variety to the meal.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the casserole to soak up the savory sauce, adding extra texture and allowing diners to enjoy every last bit of the delicious tomato-beef mixture.
• Match with Craft Beer Option: Select a medium-bodied amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the casserole's robust flavors, offering a slightly bitter counterpoint to the dish's richness and cleansing the palate between bites.

Delicious Twists on Lombardi Casserole

• Gluten-Free Lombardi: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free tomato paste and verify all ingredient labels to ensure no wheat-based additives.
• Vegetarian Lombardi: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Beef Lombardi: Substitute noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables. Reduce total carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic casserole flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream to maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Do I need to cook the egg noodles completely before adding them to the casserole?

Cook the egg noodles until they are al dente (slightly firm) before mixing with sour cream and layering in the dish. This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Beef Lombardi Casserole reheats wonderfully and can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it before baking, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the beef and tomato sauce or use a spicy variety of diced tomatoes with green chiles to kick up the heat level. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce on top when serving.

Why You’ll Enjoy Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Indulge in a triple-cheese topping that melts into a golden, crispy crust, creating an irresistible layer of gooey goodness that will make everyone at the table swoon.
• This crowd-pleasing casserole works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, satisfying both kids and adults with its rich, comforting flavors and easy-to-eat format.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting spices to suit your taste preferences and make this dish uniquely yours.

What You Need for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that forms the main protein source of the casserole.

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

• Diced Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Fresh tomatoes that add moisture and tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated tomato product that deepens the sauce's rich flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dried seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that balance and elevate the dish's flavor.

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and smoothness to the noodles.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of cheeses that creates a melty, golden topping with complex flavor.

Step-by-Step for Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

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

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat.

Break the meat into tiny crumbles as it sizzles.

Once it’s nicely browned, drain away any extra fat for a cleaner dish.

Step 3: Create a Zesty Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles
• Tomato paste
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and meld.

Step 4: Prepare Noodle Base

Cook egg noodles according to package directions until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain and return to the pot.

Step 5: Make Noodles Creamy

Toss the noodles with sour cream or Greek yogurt until they’re luxuriously coated and silky smooth.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Spread the creamy noodles evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.

Pour the spicy beef sauce over the noodles, creating delicious layers.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Grated parmesan

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes so the flavors can settle.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the comfort food magic!

Best Tips for Casserole Success

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Cook egg noodles just until al dente to maintain a perfect chewy consistency that won't become mushy during baking.
• Create distinct layers by spreading noodles evenly and ensuring beef sauce covers the entire surface for balanced bites.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more evenly and create a beautiful golden-brown top.
• Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt as a healthier sour cream alternative that provides similar creaminess and tanginess.

Storing and Reheating Lombardi Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole covered tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables with rich, cheesy layers of ground beef, pasta, and zesty tomato sauce. Midwest home cooks will savor this satisfying one-dish meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef

Pasta:

• 1 12-ounce (12 oz) package egg noodles

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Tomato Components:

• 1 14.5-ounce (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 10-ounce (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel)
• 1 6-ounce (6 oz) can tomato paste

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into fine crumbles and eliminating excess fat.
3. Enhance the meat with diced tomatoes, green chiles, tomato paste, and seasonings, simmering for 15-20 minutes to develop robust flavors.
4. Simultaneously cook egg noodles until perfectly tender, then drain and mix with sour cream to create a silky base layer.
5. Create the first casserole foundation by spreading the creamy noodles evenly across the prepared baking dish.
6. Layer the rich tomato-beef mixture directly over the noodle base, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Generously crown the casserole with a decadent blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses for maximum flavor intensity.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust and the entire dish is heated through.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and settle before serving this comforting meal.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap traditional egg noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary accommodations.
• Enhance protein by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the beef cooking stage for extra nutrition.
• Consider using low-fat cheese blends to make the casserole more diet-friendly without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg