The Zesty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe Every Family Loves

Comfort shines through this hearty beef lombardi casserole that promises warmth with every delicious bite.

Layers of tender pasta, rich ground beef, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors dancing across your plate.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish as a crowd-pleasing meal that brings people together.

Creamy tomato sauce weaves between noodles and seasoned meat, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Pasta enthusiasts and meat lovers will appreciate the balanced combination of ingredients that make this casserole irresistible.

Simple yet satisfying, this recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable culinary experiences.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this mouthwatering masterpiece that combines traditional flavors with homestyle comfort.

Why You’ll Want Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: A hearty one-dish meal that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal kitchen effort.
• Master Family-Friendly Flavors: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like noodles, ground beef, and melted cheese that guarantee smiles around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple substitutions like ground turkey or different cheese blends to match your family's taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep steps and straightforward cooking technique make this casserole a lifesaver for busy households needing a satisfying meal fast.

All About Beef Lombardi Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful main protein that forms the foundation of the casserole.

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that provides a creamy and comforting base for the casserole.

• Diced Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles, Tomato Paste: These ingredients create a rich and tangy sauce with a slight kick of heat.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: A blend of cheeses that adds creamy texture and melts beautifully on top of the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Sour Cream: Provides a creamy coating for the noodles and adds richness to the casserole.

Step-By-Step Beef Lombardi Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat. Break it up into crumbly bits and drain any extra fat.

Step 3: Create a Zesty Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles
• Tomato paste
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and get all cozy for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodle Base

Cook egg noodles according to package directions until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain the water and stir in sour cream until every noodle is luxuriously coated.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Spread the creamy noodles as the first layer in your prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and tomato sauce on top.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar
• Parmesan
• Mozzarella

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbly dish with cheese that’s melted and slightly golden.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole take a quick 5-minute break before serving. Dig in and enjoy!

Good-To-Know For Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Layer Strategically: Create distinct layers by spreading noodles evenly and topping with beef sauce for a visually appealing and well-balanced meal.
• Choose Cheese Wisely: Mix different cheese varieties like cheddar and mozzarella for a richer, more complex flavor profile and better melting texture.
• Control Moisture: Don't overcook noodles to maintain their texture and prevent the casserole from becoming soggy or watery.
• Experiment with Spices: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick and enhanced depth of flavor in the beef sauce.

Try These Changes For Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Turkey Swap: Replace beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option with similar seasoning and cooking method.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Vegetarian Bean Alternative: Use black beans or lentils instead of ground beef, maintaining the same spice profile and layered casserole structure.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice as a base, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.

Great Sides For Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Bold Red Wine Pairing
• Uncork a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich beef and tangy tomato sauce, cutting through the creamy cheese with its full-bodied character.
• Create Crisp Salad Companion
• Toss a light, zesty green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's hearty profile, adding fresh acidity and cutting through the dish's richness.
• Craft Garlic Bread Side
• Prepare crusty garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a crunchy texture contrast and enhancing the overall meal's savory notes.

How To Store Beef Lombardi Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal completely, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main ingredients in Beef Lombardi Casserole?

The main ingredients include ground beef, egg noodles, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, multiple types of cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella), and various spices like garlic and onion powder.

• Is this dish considered comfort food?

Yes, Beef Lombardi Casserole is a classic comfort food that combines hearty beef, creamy noodles, and melted cheese in a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting beef lombardi casserole brings hearty Texan flavors straight to your dinner table. Layers of pasta, rich beef, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables and Tomato Products:

• 1 14.5 ounces (411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 10 ounces (283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 6 ounces (170 grams) can tomato paste

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Noodles:

• 1 12 ounces (340 grams) package egg noodles

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease coating.
2. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and fragmented, carefully draining accumulated fat.
3. Incorporate tomato varieties, tomato paste, and seasonings into the meat mixture, creating a robust sauce.
4. Simmer the meat sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Simultaneously cook egg noodles until perfectly tender, then drain completely.
6. Generously coat noodles with sour cream, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Distribute the creamy noodle base evenly across the prepared baking dish.
8. Layer the seasoned meat sauce directly over the noodle foundation.
9. Blanket the casserole with a luxurious blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, covering the entire surface.
10. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle before serving.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by sautéing fresh minced garlic and diced onions with ground beef before adding tomatoes for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting green chiles or adding crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat.
• Make gluten-free by substituting egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising overall dish texture.
• Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef, low-fat sour cream, and part-skim cheese varieties while maintaining delicious casserole experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg