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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simultaneously prepare pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and set aside for layering.
- 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.
- Marry the beef sauce with the cheese-coated pasta, gently folding to create a uniform mixture that promises balanced flavors in every bite.
- Preheat oven to 375F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with light greasing to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the combined pasta and beef mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Crown the casserole with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, bubbling surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, bronzed blanket signaling perfect doneness.
- Allow casserole to rest briefly after removing from oven, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.
- 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