Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting casserole to feed a crowd or satisfy your family? This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a savory and delicious dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich tomato sauce, all layered with creamy cheese for the perfect comforting meal. With its balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or a dish to share at a potluck, Beef Lombardi Casserole is a winner!

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What is Beef Lombardi Casserole?

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a layered casserole made with seasoned ground beef, egg noodles or pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce mixed with creamy ingredients like sour cream or cream cheese. It’s usually topped with shredded cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is filling, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s like a mash-up of a lasagna and a baked pasta dish, offering rich, creamy layers of deliciousness.

Ingredients List for Beef Lombardi Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for a little spice, or plain diced tomatoes)
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or cream cheese for extra richness)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients create a savory, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.

Substitutions and Variations

This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a versatile recipe, and you can easily modify it to suit your taste or what you have available. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Meat Substitutes: You can swap out ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni will work. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
• Dairy Options: Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a healthier alternative, and cottage cheese can be substituted with ricotta or cream cheese for added creaminess.
• Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Add Vegetables: For more nutrients, mix in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to add texture and flavor to the casserole.
• Toppings: For extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions on top of the cheese before baking.

These adjustments let you make the casserole your own, depending on what you have on hand or what flavors your family enjoys.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make your Beef Lombardi Casserole from scratch.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Add Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth. Set aside.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole

To assemble the casserole, spread half of the cooked egg noodles in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer half of the creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture on top of the noodles. Then, spoon half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the noodles and cream layer. Repeat with the remaining noodles, cream mixture, and beef sauce.

Step 8: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 9: Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this is a straightforward recipe, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your Beef Lombardi Casserole turns out perfectly:

• Overcooking the Noodles: Be sure to cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles can become mushy in the casserole.
• Not Draining the Beef: Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Underseasoning: Season the beef mixture well with salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using). The seasoning is key to balancing the creamy and cheesy components of the dish.
• Overcooking the Cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese in the last few minutes of baking. You want it melted and bubbly, but not overly browned or burnt.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it can be dressed up with a few simple serving ideas.

How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
• Individual Portions: For a more polished presentation, scoop out individual portions and serve on plates, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions.
• Pair with Sides: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color and brightness to the dish.
• Add a Crunch: For texture, add a layer of crushed crackers, tortilla chips, or panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
• Serve with Toppings: Set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream, salsa, or sliced jalapeños so everyone can customize their portion.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance. Simply cover it with foil and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing: Beef Lombardi Casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use gluten-free noodles for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can easily substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just follow the same cooking instructions for the noodles.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Q: What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
A: If you don’t like cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or cream cheese instead for a similar creamy texture.

Q: Can I freeze Beef Lombardi Casserole?
A: Yes! This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.

Conclusion

This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners. With layers of flavorful ground beef, tender noodles, and a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Plus, with its versatility and make-ahead convenience, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a warm, delicious, and comforting casserole tonight!

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