Cozy Comfort: Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets culinary delight in this mouthwatering beef lombardi casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Layers of tender beef, perfectly seasoned pasta, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

The classic beef lombardi casserole brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with its rich, hearty ingredients.

Each bite tells a story of home-cooked goodness and traditional Southern comfort food.

This one-pan wonder comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, the dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 421 kcal

Servings: 6

Beef Lombardi Casserole Starts with These Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base that adds rich, meaty flavor and substance to the casserole, choose lean cuts for less greasiness.
• Onion: Aromatic foundation that brings depth and sweetness, select firm and glossy onions for best results.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor profile, fresh garlic cloves offer more intense taste than pre-minced options.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, tangy liquid base, opt for high-quality canned sauce without added preservatives.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken sauce, look for dark red paste in small cans.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bright tomato chunks, choose no-salt-added varieties for better control.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that elevate overall taste, freshly crushed herbs provide more vibrant flavor.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity, small amount rounds out sauce flavor profile.

• Pasta: Structural element that holds casserole together, choose medium-sized shapes like rotini or penne.
• Sour Cream: Creates luxurious, tangy creaminess, full-fat version delivers richer taste.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds smooth, mild cheese texture, whole milk ricotta provides better consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates golden, stretchy top layer, shredded version melts more evenly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty finish, freshly grated cheese offers superior flavor.

Tools for Layering Beef Lombardi Casserole Smoothly

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta and excess beef fat.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Large Bowl: Great for mixing pasta with cheeses and combining ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Chef's Knife: Useful for chopping onions and mincing garlic.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.

How to Bake a Rich Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into tiny bits. Drain any leftover grease and add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they’re soft and aromatic.

• Create Savory Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce, paste, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and a pinch of sugar. Let everything bubble gently for 10 minutes to blend the rich flavors.

• Prepare Pasta Base

Cook pasta until perfectly tender, then drain. Mix cooked pasta with creamy sour cream, ricotta, and half the mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl.

• Combine and Layer

Fold the beef mixture into the cheesy pasta. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into a 375F oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

• Serve and Delight

Scoop out generous portions onto plates. Pair with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips That Make Beef Lombardi a Crowd Favorite

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish's hearty flavor profile.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like tomato sauce are certified gluten-free. Check seasoning labels carefully to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for those who enjoy a kick of heat. For a smoky twist, incorporate a tablespoon of chipotle sauce during simmering.
• Mix in additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor complexity. Dice vegetables finely and sauté with onions before adding to the beef.

Serve Lombardi Casserole at Your Next Gathering

• Hearty Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this comforting casserole for a warm, satisfying dinner that brings everyone together.
• Fresh Green Companions: Pair the casserole with a crisp mixed salad topped with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Bread Lovers' Delight: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or warm Italian rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the robust beef and cheese with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to enhance the overall dining experience.

Store Leftover Lombardi Casserole for Easy Meals

• Store the casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated beef lombardi remains delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. Uncooked or cooked versions can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Divide the casserole into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with the date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other types like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. Just ensure they are similar in size and shape to maintain the right texture.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Can I freeze Beef Lombardi Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, choose low-fat cheese options, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutrition and reduce calories.

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole blends robust Texan and Mexican culinary traditions into one comforting dish. Pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles or penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese for smoother texture)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a large skillet, thoroughly draining excess grease while breaking down meat chunks into uniform pieces.
2. Flavor Development: Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, then introduce tomato sauce, paste, and diced tomatoes. Integrate Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper, allowing the sauce to simmer and meld flavors intensely.
3. Pasta Integration: Cook pasta to al dente perfection, then combine with sour cream, ricotta, and half the mozzarella cheese, ensuring even coating and distribution of creamy elements.
4. Mixture Consolidation: Gently fold beef sauce into cheese-coated pasta, creating a harmonious blend that promises consistent flavor throughout the dish.
5. Assembly Technique: Preheat oven to 375F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the combined mixture, spreading evenly to create a smooth, uniform layer.
6. Final Embellishment: Generously top the casserole with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, covering the entire surface to create a golden, bubbling crust.
7. Baking and Serving: Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese turns molten and bronzed. Rest briefly after removing from oven to allow flavors to settle. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete dining experience.

Notes

Manage Meat Grease: Thoroughly drain browned ground beef to prevent excess oil from making the casserole soggy and heavy.

Pasta Texture Mastery: Cook pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy, overcooked noodles that lose their pleasant bite.

Cheese Distribution Strategy: Blend cheeses evenly throughout the dish to ensure consistent flavor and prevent clumping or dry pockets in the casserole.

Flavor Enhancement Trick: Add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce to balance acidity and deepen the overall taste profile of the beef mixture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg