Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that combines the hearty flavors of seasoned beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce with a creamy, cheesy base. This Southern-inspired recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, as it’s both satisfying and easy to make ahead.

With layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a cheesy, tangy sour cream mixture, this casserole is as delightful to eat as it is to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and leaves everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Filling: A hearty, cheesy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
2. Easy to Make Ahead: Perfect for busy schedules—assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
3. Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its rich, cheesy goodness.
4. Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap proteins, or make it spicy with a few tweaks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni or egg noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Beef Mixture

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Pasta: Spread the cooked pasta evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add the Creamy Mixture: Spoon the creamy sour cream mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly to create a smooth layer.
3. Top with Beef Mixture: Pour the beef and tomato mixture over the creamy layer, spreading it evenly.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Broil for Extra Golden Cheese: If desired, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Beef Lombardi Casserole with any of the following:

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every cheesy bite.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great sides.

Tips for Success

1. Season the Pasta Water: Salt your pasta water generously to enhance the flavor of the noodles.
2. Balance the Creaminess: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the creamy layer.
3. Customize the Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
4. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Variations

1. Spicy Beef Lombardi: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
2. Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or cooked lentils.
3. Mexican-Inspired: Add taco seasoning to the beef and top with pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
4. Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any short pasta, like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, works well in this recipe.

Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

Conclusion

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best elements of a hearty pasta bake and a cheesy, creamy casserole. Its layers of rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it to your family, bringing it to a potluck, or making it ahead for a busy weeknight, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it today, and enjoy the cozy comfort of Beef Lombardi Casserole!

Yield: 8

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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Beef Lombardi Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that combines the hearty flavors of seasoned beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce with a creamy, cheesy base. This Southern-inspired recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, as it’s both satisfying and easy to make ahead.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Beef Mixture:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Pasta Layer:
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Topping:
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Pasta:

1. While the beef mixture simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Creamy Layer:

1. In a large bowl, mix the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Spread the cooked egg noodles evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly.
3. Top with the beef mixture, ensuring an even layer across the dish.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.

5. Bake the Casserole:

1. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.