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
- 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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for a comforting casserole creation.
- Prepare egg noodles according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat, carefully eliminating excess grease.
- 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.
- Create a creamy base by blending sour cream and cottage cheese in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Construct the casserole foundation by evenly spreading cooked egg noodles across the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Generously distribute the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture over the noodle layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully pour the seasoned beef and tomato sauce across the creamy surface, distributing evenly.
- Crown the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- 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