If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite, the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines rich, savory ground beef with creamy cheeses and tender noodles, all baked to bubbling perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole brings a deliciously satisfying meal to your table while making everyone feel right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe a standout. Each ingredient plays a role, from the savory ground beef and aromatic onions to the gooey cheeses that melt and bind everything together.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that provides rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- Yellow onion (1 small, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant kick that awakens the palate.
- Tomato sauce (15 ounces): Brings a smooth tomato richness that ties the casserole together.
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces, undrained): Adds texture and bright bursts of acidity.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): Infuses herbaceous warmth to deepen the flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory components perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle spiciness and balance.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds just a hint of heat for those who like a bit of a kick.
- Cooked egg noodles (2 cups): Tender pasta that provides comforting texture and helps soak up the sauce.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Contributes creaminess and a mild tang that lighten the richness.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds silky smoothness and a luscious mouthfeel.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Offers sharp, melty goodness that gives the casserole its cheesiness.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings stretch and gooey delight to the top layer.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Adds freshness and a bright pop of color as garnish.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Flavor Base
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef alongside the chopped onion until the meat is nicely browned and cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor and gives the casserole that hearty, meaty character. Adding minced garlic near the end infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic note without overpowering it.
Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Next, you stir in the tomato sauce and undrained diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a slight heat. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to marry and thicken slightly. This simmering step transforms the simple tomatoes into a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the beef and noodles.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Noodle Mixture
While the sauce develops, take a large bowl and combine your cooked egg noodles with sour cream and softened cream cheese. Mixing these together creates a luscious, creamy base that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a velvety texture to every bite. This rich noodle mixture is the key to the casserole’s indulgent mouthfeel.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading half of the creamy noodle mixture. Layer half of the meat sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle a generous portion of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheeses. This layering ensures every scoop has the perfect blend of creamy, meaty, and cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You want to see the top turn golden and bubbly—signaling that all the flavors have melded beautifully and the cheese is irresistibly melted and slightly browned. Once out of the oven, letting it rest for 5 minutes helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds not only a fresh, herbaceous note but also a lovely contrast in color that makes the casserole look even more inviting. You could also add a light dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra flavor layer.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance its richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a potluck or family gathering, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings. You could also top each serving with a fried egg for a decadent brunch twist or mix in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added earthiness and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the noodles moist and the flavors fresh, making for an easy next-day meal that tastes just as good.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared casserole before baking by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Frozen, it maintains its quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before popping it into the oven to bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole casserole at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a few minutes under the broiler can refresh the cheese topping to its original golden glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and provide a perfect texture, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or even macaroni if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a hearty plant-based protein or use sautéed mushrooms and lentils to mimic the meaty texture. Adjust seasonings to maintain the depth of flavor.
Can I prepare the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to two days before baking and keep it refrigerated. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, ensuring fresh, bubbly goodness.
What’s a good substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
Cottage cheese works well if you want a tangier note, or you can use ricotta cheese for a milder, creamier texture. Both alternatives keep the casserole rich and luscious.
How spicy is the casserole with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add only a subtle hint of heat that enhances the flavor without making it overly spicy. They are completely optional and can be omitted for a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe, it’s hard not to keep it in your regular dinner rotation. Its comforting layers of rich beef, creamy cheese, and tender noodles make every bite feel like a warm hug from the inside. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create this delicious classic that’s bound to impress family and friends time and time again.
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Beef Lombardi is a comforting American casserole featuring ground beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce with Italian seasoning, layered with creamy noodles, sour cream, cream cheese, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, this cheesy pasta bake combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Noodle Mixture
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until meat is browned and onions are softened, about 7–8 minutes; break up meat while cooking for even browning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Prepare Sauce: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Noodle Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, blend the cooked egg noodles with sour cream and softened cream cheese until the noodles are evenly coated and creamy.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the noodle mixture evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Repeat Layers: Layer the remaining noodles, then the remaining meat sauce, and finish with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of cream cheese for a tangier flavor.
