Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate family-friendly comfort food, let me introduce you to Beef Lombardi Casserole. This beloved American classic brings together layers of tender egg noodles, a rich and savory beef-tomato sauce, and a creamy surprise from cottage cheese and sour cream, all crowned with a glorious blanket of melted cheddar. With every bite, you get a harmonious blend of flavors—hearty, tangy, and oh-so-cheesy—that warms the soul and satisfies every craving. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a potluck hero, this casserole delivers big happiness in every scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole couldn’t be easier. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s building a robust base, adding a pop of color, or turning the ordinary into something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make your casserole shine.
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 for flavor and juiciness, and be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
- Onion: Diced small to melt right into the beef mixture, giving every bite a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a fragrance and depth that’s impossible to resist.
- Tomato sauce: This forms the luscious base of the sauce and ensures everything bakes up beautifully moist.
- Diced tomatoes: Drain before adding for a thick, chunky texture that doesn’t water down the casserole.
- Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon adds a balanced blend of herbs, perfect for boosting flavor.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the savory goodness from the beef and tomatoes.
- Black pepper: A little goes a long way—season to taste if you like a touch more warmth.
- Cooked egg noodles: These provide the tender, comforting base; make sure they’re cooked and drained before assembling.
- Sour cream: Mixed with noodles, this brings creamy tang and keeps the casserole rich without being heavy.
- Cottage cheese: Opt for small curd for a creamy texture that melts into the noodles without being too chunky.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar makes the perfect gooey, golden topping—feel free to blend with Monterey Jack for extra flair.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green for garnish and a mild herbal freshness.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole
Step 1: Get Things Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This quick prep step ensures a bubbly, golden topping and helps the casserole slide out in perfect squares when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant—this little extra time helps release all of that delicious garlic flavor.
Step 3: Build the Savory Sauce
Add the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to your skillet. Stir to combine, then let it all simmer for 5 minutes. This short simmer melds the flavors and creates a robust, hearty mixture that brings the Beef Lombardi Casserole to life.
Step 4: Toss the Creamy Noodle Layer
While your beef sauce is bubbling away, mix the cooked egg noodles with sour cream and cottage cheese in a big bowl. Give everything a gentle toss so the noodles are evenly coated—trust me, this step is what makes the casserole so impossibly creamy and delicious.
Step 5: Layer It All Together
Spread that creamy noodle mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and tomato mixture over the top and spread it so every nook and cranny is covered. Then comes the best part: sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything, creating a generous, even layer that’s ready to melt.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese is lightly browned in spots. Let it sit a few minutes before serving—this makes slicing much easier and allows all the flavors in your Beef Lombardi Casserole to settle perfectly.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving adds color and a light, herbal note that perfectly balances the richness of the casserole. You can also offer a few extra shakes of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole is super satisfying on its own, but I love to pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a zingy vinaigrette or some simple steamed vegetables for contrast. A basket of warm, crusty bread is also a welcoming addition to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or special gatherings, serve Beef Lombardi Casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Want a rustic vibe? Bake it in a cast iron skillet and serve straight from the pan. You can even top each portion with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle with extra cheese before serving for that over-the-top, restaurant-style flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Lombardi Casserole can be a life-saver for lunches or busy nights. Store any cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to four days. The flavors get even cozier after a day, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. For best quality, freeze for up to three months. When cravings hit, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through. Individual servings can also be microwaved on medium power until nice and hot. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheddar and parsley to regain that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist; just keep an eye on the seasoning and add a splash more olive oil if needed, as these meats are leaner than beef. The creamy base and cheesy topping make sure it’s still comforting and delicious.
Can I make Beef Lombardi Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to one day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven—just add 5 or 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
Is there a low-fat way to prepare this casserole?
For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream, cottage cheese, and reduced-fat cheddar, and opt for lean ground beef or turkey. You’ll still get all the classic flavors, just with a lighter touch.
What’s the best way to serve Beef Lombardi Casserole for a crowd?
Bake it in a large, deep baking dish and let guests serve themselves buffet-style. Keep an extra bowl of shredded cheese and chopped parsley on the side so everyone can add a little flair to their own portion. This casserole doubles easily if you need to feed a big group!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! A cup of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach can be stirred into the beef mixture before assembling. Not only will this amp up the flavor and nutrition, but it also adds pops of color to your Beef Lombardi Casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings people together, give Beef Lombardi Casserole a try. It’s comforting, simple, and endlessly adaptable—a guaranteed hit at any table. Go ahead, gather your loved ones and let this casserole work its magic!
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty casserole dish, Beef Lombardi Casserole is a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy noodles, and gooey cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Noodle Layer:
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Noodle Layer: In a separate bowl, combine cooked egg noodles with sour cream and cottage cheese. Spread the mixture in the baking dish.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture over the noodles, spreading evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For extra flavor, consider using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese or topping with crushed crackers or French-fried onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
