Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite Bake

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty beef lombardi casserole recipe that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of tender ground beef, rich pasta, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of savory ingredients that dance across your palate.

The simple yet robust combination of classic ingredients turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Home cooks adore this no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this irresistible casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to become the kitchen hero with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20min

Cook Time: 45min

Total Time: 1hr 5min

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Found in Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: Adds hearty protein and rich flavor, choose lean cuts for less grease and better texture.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle aromatic warmth without chopping fresh garlic.
• Onion Powder: Provides deep savory undertones and balanced seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that elevate the meat's natural taste.

• Diced Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Creates tangy, vibrant sauce base with slight southwestern kick.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken sauce naturally.

• Egg Noodles: Soft, comforting pasta that absorbs surrounding flavors beautifully.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy richness and smooth texture to noodle layer.

• Shredded Cheeses: Melts into golden, gooey layer that brings ultimate comfort and indulgence.

Equipment to Cook Beef Lombardi Dish

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and simmering the sauce with perfect control.
• 9×13 baking dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the entire casserole with even heat distribution.
• Colander: Needed to drain noodles and excess beef fat quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring beef and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities for balanced flavor.
• Cheese grater: Optional, but great for freshly grating cheese if not using pre-shredded.

Cooking Instructions for Lombardi Casserole

Comfort Food Creation

• Kitchen Preparation Warm up the oven and grab a spacious baking dish for this hearty meal.
• Meat Foundation Brown ground beef in a skillet, creating a rich and flavorful base for the casserole.
• Sauce Magic Blend tomatoes, spices, and herbs into a zesty sauce that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Noodle Transformation Cook pasta and transform it into a creamy canvas by mixing with a silky coating.
• Layered Masterpiece Assemble the casserole by creating beautiful layers of noodles, savory meat sauce, and melty cheese.
• Oven Performance Bake until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with delicious promise.
• Serving Moment Let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to mingle and settle before serving to eager dinner guests.

Spicing Up Your Beef Casserole

• Mix ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the casserole's hearty flavor profile.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a zesty kick that elevates the dish's warmth.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate before baking for super convenient meal prep.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor combinations that make each bite exciting.
• Fold in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the beef cooking stage to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the classic casserole.

How to Serve This Cheesy Casserole

• Family Feast Companion: Fresh green salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette creates perfect balance with rich casserole.
• Southern Side Delight: Warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits complement the hearty beef dish, soaking up delicious sauce and adding rustic touch.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for bright color, fresh flavor, and elegant restaurant-style presentation that elevates whole meal.
• Cool Beverage Pairing: Serve with cold iced tea or robust red wine that cuts through the casserole's richness and cleanses palate between bites.

Save and Reheat Lombardi Casserole

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavors and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Gentle Reheating Method: Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway. For larger portions, use oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add splash of water to prevent drying.
• Meal Prep Champion: Assemble casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, pop directly into preheated oven. Perfect for busy weeknights or advance dinner planning.

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1hr 5min
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole brings comfort and flavor from Texas kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or ground turkey/chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 12 oz (340 g) package egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 14.5 oz (411 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 10 oz (283 g) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as Rotel)
• 1 6 oz (170 g) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite oven to 350°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish to prevent adherence.
2. Meat Transformation: In a deep skillet, brown ground beef over high heat, breaking into crumbly bits, then drain excess fat completely.
3. Sauce Creation: Blend tomato components with aromatic seasonings into the beef, simmering for 15-20 minutes to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
4. Noodle Integration: Cook egg noodles in boiling water until al dente, then fold in sour cream to create a luxurious, creamy texture.
5. Layering Technique: Spread the sour cream-coated noodles as the foundational layer in the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth base.
6. Cheese Coronation: Pour the seasoned meat sauce evenly over noodles, then generously sprinkle a combination of shredded cheeses to ensure complete coverage.
7. Baking Finale: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking 20-25 minutes until cheese becomes golden and sauce bubbles invitingly.
8. Serving Preparation: Allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting flavors meld and settle before presenting this comforting culinary creation.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Always drain excess fat thoroughly after browning ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole texture and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing final dish.
• Noodle Cooking Hack: Cook egg noodles just until al dente to avoid mushy texture; they’ll continue softening during baking, maintaining a perfect tender-yet-firm consistency.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for maximum flavor complexity and a beautifully golden, stretchy top layer that creates irresistible visual appeal.
• Resting Wisdom: Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps ingredients set and makes serving cleaner and more structured, enhancing overall eating experience.

• Prep Time: 20min
• Cook Time: 45min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg