Looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights? Beef Lombardi Casserole is the answer! This hearty casserole is packed with flavor, featuring tender beef, creamy sauce, pasta, and a golden cheese topping. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for leftovers, this dish is simple to make, full of savory goodness, and sure to become a regular on your menu.
Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning and sugar if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sour cream, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add the beef mixture to the pasta and stir to incorporate.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve this comforting casserole alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef, pasta, and cheese makes this casserole a satisfying meal that will keep you full.
- Kid-Friendly: With its creamy texture and cheesy topping, kids love this dish, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Easy to Make: This casserole is simple to prepare, and the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t require hours of cooking.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Beef Lombardi Casserole reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or serve it for dinner again!
Variations of Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Add Vegetables: If you’d like to sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef mixture.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
- Swap the Meat: If you prefer turkey or chicken, ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken can easily replace the ground beef.
Conclusion
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a delicious and easy dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Its rich, savory flavors and creamy texture make it a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a large family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Serving and Storage Tips for Beef Lombardi Casserole
Serving Tips:
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or oregano. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add an extra layer of flavor and a touch of color.
- Pair with Side Dishes: Beef Lombardi Casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with simple side dishes:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for a comforting, hearty meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots complement the dish and add some freshness.
- Individual Portions: If serving to guests or at a gathering, consider scooping the casserole into individual portions. This makes serving easier and gives a polished look to the meal.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which could make the casserole soggy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Beef Lombardi Casserole:
- If you want to prepare this dish in advance, Beef Lombardi Casserole freezes well. Simply let the casserole cool, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in a freezer-safe container.
- You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the casserole before baking it, and then bake it from frozen (or after thawing) when ready to serve.
- Reheating Tips:
- To reheat refrigerated casserole, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.
- When reheating frozen casserole, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking it at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Beef Lombardi Casserole stays delicious and convenient for multiple meals!
- Can I use a different type of pasta for Beef Lombardi Casserole?
- Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne, rotini, or fusilli are great alternatives, and they will hold the sauce and cheese well. Choose a pasta shape that you and your family enjoy!
- Can I make Beef Lombardi Casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve.
- Is Beef Lombardi Casserole suitable for freezing?
- Yes, Beef Lombardi Casserole freezes very well. Simply prepare the casserole, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
- Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. The flavor will still be delicious, and you can use the same seasonings and ingredients.
Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American, Casserole
Description
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that layers tender ground beef, pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a potluck, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
(Serves 6-8)
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Layer:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese for a smoother texture)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles or penne pasta, cooked and drained
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Make the Creamy Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the beef mixture, and then half of the creamy cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and creamy cheese mixture.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes if baking from cold.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Customization: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.