Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful baked dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. With layers of tender egg noodles, creamy cheese, and a rich ground beef tomato sauce, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit different dietary preferences.

What Is Beef Lombardi Casserole?

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a layered pasta bake featuring seasoned ground beef, a creamy cottage cheese or ricotta mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food that combines the heartiness of a pasta dish with the cheesy goodness of a baked casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a perfect weeknight meal.
• Family-friendly – A great dish that both kids and adults will love.
• Customizable – Can be made gluten-free, or ingredients can be swapped to suit preferences.
• Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prep and freezes well.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz egg noodles (or gluten-free alternative)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Creamy Layer

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)

Topping

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the dish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
• Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned.
• Drain any excess grease.
• Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

3. Prepare the Creamy Layer

• In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese (or ricotta). Mix until well blended.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles.
• Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the noodles.
• Add half of the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese.

5. Bake the Casserole

• Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

Freezing Instructions

• Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles.
• Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Vegetarian Option – Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms.
• Extra Cheesy – Mix in mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or any short pasta works well.

Is cottage cheese necessary, or can I use something else?
You can use ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking if you prefer a softer texture.

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and cheesy topping, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a hearty, homemade comfort meal!

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