If you are craving a comfort food that wraps rich, savory flavors and gooey, melty cheese in one irresistible dish, the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This hearty casserole blends perfectly seasoned ground beef with tender egg noodles and a trio of cheeses to create a satisfying, family-favorite meal that’s as cozy as it is delicious. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe consistently delivers warmth and smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role, allowing for a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. These simple pantry staples come together to make a dish that’s comforting without being complicated.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, savory flavor and protein to the casserole.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and boldness.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds tangy juiciness and vibrant color.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, rich foundation for the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for extra intensity.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings savory umami and a subtle tanginess to the sauce.
- Dried oregano: Offers a classic herby note essential for an Italian-inspired profile.
- Dried basil: Complements oregano, adding a sweet, aromatic layer.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into balance.
- Cooked egg noodles: Tender and slightly chewy pasta that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a gentle tang for richness.
- Cream cheese: Blends smoothly to create a luscious, velvety texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and a golden melt on top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Contributes gooey stretchiness and milky richness.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild crunch and bright color as a finishing touch.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Aromatics
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step builds the deep, savory flavor base that defines the dish. Once browned, drain any excess fat before adding diced onions and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to create a rich, tomatoey mixture. Worcestershire sauce joins the blend, adding complexity and a subtle tang. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper, then simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and intensify. This simmered sauce is what gives the casserole its signature comforting depth.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Pasta Base
While the sauce simmers, whip together the sour cream and softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooked egg noodles, ensuring each noodle is thoroughly coated with the luscious mixture. This creamy noodle base is the perfect foil to the savory beef and tomato sauce layers.
Step 4: Assemble Your Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Grease your casserole dish well, then layer half of the creamy noodles on the bottom. Spoon half of the savory meat sauce over the pasta layer, spreading it evenly. Repeat with remaining noodles and meat sauce. The layering creates a balance between hearty texture and melty richness that’s pure comfort food heaven.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. The combination of cheeses melts into a bubbly, golden crust that’s both cheesy and satisfying. Bake the assembled casserole at 350°F until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbling, usually about 25 minutes. Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier and flavors to settle.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions scattered on top add a bright pop of color and a mild, fresh onion crunch that beautifully complements the rich layers underneath. A little sprinkle goes a long way in adding visual appeal and a fresh note to each serving.
Side Dishes
This Beef Lombardi Casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The lightness and crunch of fresh sides balance the casserole’s rich creaminess, making for a well-rounded meal everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of the casserole in ramekins topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of herbs like parsley or basil. You can also accompany the casserole with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up every bit of the melty sauce. Presentation is a great way to elevate this homey dish for holidays or special family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Lombardi Casserole stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld further overnight, making for even tastier leftovers that rehearse beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out, and bake at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir the casserole gently midway if microwaving for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional here, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or any short pasta that holds sauce well. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
Is there a way to make this casserole lower in fat?
Yes, you can opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey and use reduced-fat sour cream and cream cheese to lighten the dish without sacrificing much creaminess or flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce mixed with a little lemon juice or vinegar can mimic its tangy umami essence in a pinch.
How spicy is this Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe?
It’s mild in spice, focusing more on savory and cheesy flavors. If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce mixture before baking.
Final Thoughts
From its comforting layers of seasoned beef, creamy noodles, and melted cheese, the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe is truly a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to share with loved ones. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished addition to your recipe collection that everyone will ask to be made again and again.
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty and comforting American family dinner featuring layers of savory ground beef tomato sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender egg noodles baked to perfection and topped with fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Beef Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Noodles and Cheese Mixture
- 12 oz cooked egg noodles
- ½ cup sour cream (preferably reduced-fat if desired)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (use reduced-fat if desired)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
- Mix Creamy Noodles: In a separate bowl, blend the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooked egg noodles and stir carefully to coat all the noodles evenly with the cream mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish. Spread half of the creamy noodles in an even layer in the dish. Spoon half of the beef tomato sauce mixture evenly over the noodles. Repeat another layer with the remaining noodles and meat sauce.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the casserole is hot through and the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini, penne, or other short pasta shapes instead of egg noodles if preferred.
- For a lighter version of this casserole, opt for reduced-fat sour cream and cream cheese to lower the fat content.
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the beef to avoid greasiness in the final dish.
- This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
