Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Hearty beef lombardi casserole promises pure comfort on chilly evenings when hunger strikes deep.

Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Midwestern home kitchens perfected this classic dish decades ago, blending simple ingredients with maximum satisfaction.

Southern cooks have long treasured this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a warm embrace.

Pasta noodles nestle between seasoned ground beef and a creamy sauce that whispers stories of family gatherings.

Cheese bubbles golden brown, promising a crispy top that crackles with each delicious bite.

You’ll want to dive into this irresistible meal that turns an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Packed with Pasta and Flavor

• This beef lombardi casserole offers multiple delightful features perfect for busy home cooks.
• Streamlined recipe requires basic cooking skills with straightforward steps that even novice chefs can master easily, creating a stress-free meal preparation experience.
• Packed with kid-approved ingredients like pasta, cheese, and ground beef, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy family members during dinner time.
• One-dish meal that saves time on cleaning, provides hearty nutrition, and can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for hectic weeknight dinners when energy is low and hunger is high.

What You’ll Need for Beef Lombardi Casserole Night

• Ground Beef: Rich meaty base for the casserole, provides hearty flavor and protein.
• Sour Cream, Ricotta Cheese: Creamy components that add smoothness and richness to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create golden, crispy topping with classic Italian flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and aroma to the beef mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that brings traditional Mediterranean taste to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes: Create robust tomato base with layered tomato flavors.
• Sugar: Optional ingredient to balance tomato acidity if needed.

• Pasta: Structural element that absorbs and carries the beef and sauce mixture.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for added color and fresh herb note.

Cooking Instructions for Cheesy Beef Lombardi Bake

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat

Break beef into small crumbles while cooking

Drain excess fat from the pan

Add chopped onions and minced garlic

Saute until onions become soft and fragrant

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional sugar

Simmer sauce for 10 minutes to develop rich flavors

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Base

Cook pasta according to package instructions

Drain pasta completely

Step 4: Mix Creamy Pasta Layer

• Sour cream
• Ricotta cheese
• Half of mozzarella cheese

Blend ingredients thoroughly

Step 5: Combine Beef and Pasta

Add beef mixture to pasta

Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed

Step 6: Assemble Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F

Grease 9×13-inch baking dish

Transfer pasta and beef mixture into dish

Top with remaining mozzarella

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes

Watch for golden brown, bubbly cheese

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley

Serve with green salad or garlic bread

Tips to Layer and Season Your Lombardi Casserole

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Pat ground beef dry with paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring a crisp texture and preventing a soggy casserole.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or provolone to add unique flavor depth and personal touch to the dish.
• Control Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it continues cooking in the oven, preventing mushy noodles and maintaining perfect pasta consistency.
• Boost Flavor with Herbs: Add fresh chopped basil or oregano to the beef mixture for an extra burst of aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavors that elevate the entire casserole.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or entertaining guests.

Store and Reheat Beef Lombardi for Next-Day Enjoyment

• Store leftover Beef Lombardi Casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for a crispy layer.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot and steaming. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Favorite Sides That Work with Lombardi Casserole

• Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese elements of the casserole.
• Create a light, tangy green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and provide fresh contrast.
• Prepare crusty garlic bread featuring fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, which will soak up the delicious sauce and provide a complementary texture to the casserole's creamy consistency.
• Offer a crisp, light white wine that provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory beef and cheese, cleansing the palate between each delectable bite.

Ways to Personalize Your Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasoning profile for a protein-rich alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the classic casserole flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like tomato sauce are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, swap Italian seasoning for oregano and basil, and add kalamata olives to create a Greek-style version of the classic casserole.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic Southern charm in this beef lombardi casserole, where hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and rich cheese create a satisfying meal that brings families together. Layers of flavor and simple ingredients make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner that you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese for a smoother texture)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles or penne pasta, cooked and drained

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform ground beef into a flavorful base by browning it in a large skillet, breaking down chunks while cooking. Eliminate excess grease through thorough draining.
2. Enhance the meat with aromatic onions and garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant. Infuse depth by incorporating tomato sauce, paste, and diced tomatoes.
3. Elevate the sauce with Italian seasoning and a hint of sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, enabling ingredients to harmonize and develop rich flavors.
4. Simultaneously prepare pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and set aside for layering.
5. Create a creamy pasta foundation by blending cooked noodles with sour cream, ricotta, and half the mozzarella cheese. Ensure thorough and even distribution of dairy components.
6. Marry the beef sauce with the cheese-coated pasta, gently folding to create a uniform mixture that promises balanced flavors in every bite.
7. Preheat oven to 375F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with light greasing to prevent sticking.
8. Transfer the combined pasta and beef mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
9. Crown the casserole with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, bubbling surface.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, bronzed blanket signaling perfect doneness.
11. Allow casserole to rest briefly after removing from oven, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.
12. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier protein option that keeps the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Let the pasta cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients to prevent cheese from becoming too runny and maintain a creamy texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and checking that tomato sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Prepare casserole components ahead of time and refrigerate assembled dish for up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep super convenient for busy families.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 to 8
• Calories: 421
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 723 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 87 mg