The Ultimate Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a hearty beef lombardi casserole promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Pasta layers mingle with rich, savory ground beef and melted cheese in this classic Southern dish.

Home cooks adore its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor profile.

Hearty ingredients come together seamlessly, creating a robust meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Robust marinara sauce adds depth and complexity to each delectable bite.

Minimal prep work means you can have dinner ready in under an hour.

Dive into this irresistible casserole that will quickly become a weeknight dinner favorite.

Beef Lombardi Casserole – Bold and Satisfying

• Craft a Festive Dessert: Impress friends and family with a show-stopping pumpkin chocolate chip layer cake that screams autumn celebration.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Blend warm spices, rich pumpkin, and chocolate chips for a multi-dimensional taste experience that delights every bite.
• Master Seasonal Baking: Learn a foolproof technique for creating a moist, tender cake that captures the essence of fall in a single dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Serve a universally loved treat that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties.

Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that provides a soft and tender base for the casserole.

• Ground Beef, Onion: The ground beef creates a hearty and flavorful meat layer, while the onion adds depth and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: These tomato products create a rich and tangy sauce base for the casserole.
• Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: These seasonings balance and enhance the overall flavor profile of the meat sauce.

• Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: These dairy ingredients form a creamy and smooth layer that adds richness and texture to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A classic cheese that melts beautifully and provides a sharp, tangy flavor to the top of the casserole.
• Green Onions: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Making Beef Lombardi Casserole Effortlessly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Noodle Base

Cook egg noodles following package directions, then drain and set them aside for layering.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions

Cook over medium heat until beef turns brown and onions soften. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Layer

• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Build the Casserole Foundation

Grease a baking dish and spread cooked egg noodles as the first layer.

Step 7: Add Creamy Goodness

Spread the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.

Step 8: Pour Meat Sauce

Gently pour the beef and tomato sauce over the creamy layer.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire casserole surface.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and turns bubbly.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Smart Moves for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the casserole's delicious flavor profile.
• Drain noodles thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, ensuring the casserole maintains a perfect, non-soggy texture.
• Use full-fat dairy products for a richer, more indulgent taste, but opt for low-fat versions if watching calorie intake.
• Add a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or basil to the beef mixture for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier and more stable.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Variations to Try

• Chicken Lombardi: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option that adds rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Lombardi: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mixed roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Lombardi: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style casserole.
• Mediterranean Lombardi: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap tomato paste with sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired recipe.

Serving Ideas for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal that brings comfort and nutrition to the table.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to community gatherings, transferring it to a portable serving dish that keeps the meal warm and inviting for friends and neighbors to enjoy.
• Weeknight Meal Makeover: Pair the casserole with steamed broccoli or roasted seasonal vegetables to add extra nutrients and color, transforming a simple dish into a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
• Lunch Leftovers Magic: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats beautifully, offering a convenient and tasty midday meal at work or home.

How to Save Beef Lombardi Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftover Beef Lombardi Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Beef Lombardi Casserole?

The key ingredients include ground beef, egg noodles, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese. These create a hearty, creamy, and flavorful one-dish meal that combines protein, pasta, and cheese.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Yes, this casserole is very budget-friendly. It uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, egg noodles, and common pantry staples. It’s also a great way to feed a family or group without spending a lot of money on expensive ingredients.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the preheated oven.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole brings comfort and satisfaction to dinner tables across America. Pasta, ground beef, and zesty tomato sauce combine with melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
• 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz (411 g)
• 1 can tomato paste, 6 oz (170 g)
• 8 oz (226 g) egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsps green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for a comforting casserole creation.
2. Prepare egg noodles according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat, carefully eliminating excess grease.
4. Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, seasonings, creating a rich, aromatic sauce. Allow to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring periodically.
5. Create a creamy base by blending sour cream and cottage cheese in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
6. Construct the casserole foundation by evenly spreading cooked egg noodles across the bottom of a greased baking dish.
7. Generously distribute the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture over the noodle layer, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Carefully pour the seasoned beef and tomato sauce across the creamy surface, distributing evenly.
9. Crown the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
11. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Consider using whole wheat egg noodles to boost nutritional value and add extra fiber to the dish.
• Keep an eye on moisture levels by draining tomatoes thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole texture that might make the noodles soggy.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole earlier in the day, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 404 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg