Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: Family-Loved Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering beef lombardi casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning dinner crowd.

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

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish for its rich, comforting qualities.

The beef lombardi casserole combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners become spectacular with this crowd-pleasing recipe that disappears faster than you can serve it.

Perfectly seasoned and beautifully baked, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Let’s find out this delectable meal and watch as everyone around the table asks for seconds.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Optimal Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in microwave using 50% power to prevent drying. For whole casserole, cover with foil and reheat in 350°F oven until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and maintaining original texture.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep cheese and noodles separate from meat sauce when storing if possible. This prevents soggy texture and helps maintain each component's distinct flavor and consistency when reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 491 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat that provides the main protein punch and creates a satisfying, robust flavor base for the casserole.
• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that adds substantial texture and helps bind the casserole together with a comforting, homestyle feel.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, tangy cheeses that create a golden, crispy top layer and deliver deep, complex flavor dimensions.
• Sour Cream: Silky ingredient that introduces a subtle tanginess and helps keep the casserole moist and creamy.

• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy base that adds brightness and natural sweetness to the sauce.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Zesty blend that introduces a gentle kick and southwestern flair.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato essence that deepens the sauce's richness and provides a robust underlying flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all other ingredient profiles.

Equipment for Making Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and creating the flavorful sauce.
• Large pot: Perfect for boiling egg noodles to al dente perfection.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The key vessel for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Spatula: Helps spread noodles and sauce evenly in the dish.
• Smaller bowl: Useful for mixing cheese topping.
• Aluminum foil: Covers casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Colander: Drains noodles after boiling.
• Cheese grater: Great for freshly grating cheese if needed.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring meat sauce and mixing ingredients.

How to Prepare Classic Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Oven Preparation Kitchen warmth begins with setting the oven to a perfect 350°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light spray coating to prevent any sticky situations.
• Meat Magic The ground beef transforms in a sizzling skillet, breaking down into delicious crumbles. Watch carefully as it browns to perfection, then say goodbye to any excess grease.
• Flavor Explosion A symphony of tomatoes, zesty chilies, and aromatic spices join the meat party. Let everything mingle and dance together, simmering slowly to create a rich, mouth-watering sauce.
• Noodle Love Tender egg noodles take a quick swim in boiling water, emerging perfectly cooked and ready for their creamy makeover. Sour cream embraces each noodle, creating a silky blanket of deliciousness.
• Layering Masterpiece Start with a luxurious noodle foundation, then generously crown it with the robust meat sauce. A shower of mixed cheeses creates a golden, irresistible topping that promises pure comfort.
• Baking Finale Wrap the casserole in foil for its initial baking adventure. Then unveil for a final golden-brown transformation that'll have everyone rushing to the dinner table. A brief rest allows flavors to settle and excitement to build.

Tips to Boost Flavor in Beef Lombardi

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers incredible flavor and keeps the dish exciting.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes, or add extra green chilies for adventurous taste buds seeking a zesty kick.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or wide egg noodles to create unique textures and make the recipe your own signature dish.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the meat sauce preparation for added depth and color.
• Mix up the cheese blend by trying pepper jack for extra spice, or add a sprinkle of cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture that melts perfectly into the casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Fresh Garden Companion: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty casserole flavors.
• Crusty Bread Delight: Serve warm garlic bread or toasted French baguette slices alongside the casserole, perfect for soaking up the delicious meat sauce and adding extra texture.
• Veggie Balance Boost: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans to introduce a nutritious, colorful element that complements the cheesy, meaty main dish.
• Zesty Drink Pairing: Enhance the meal with a cold, crisp beer like a light lager or a glass of robust red wine that can stand up to the bold flavors of the Beef Lombardi Casserole.

Creamy Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole delivers classic comfort with ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese. Home cooks appreciate this simple midwestern classic that serves families with rich, satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (with juice)
• 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste
• 1 package (6 oz / 170 g) medium egg noodles
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Meat Foundation: Brown ground beef in a skillet, crumbling thoroughly and draining excess fat completely.
3. Flavor Development: Incorporate diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings into the beef. Simmer sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
4. Noodle Preparation: Cook egg noodles in salted water until al dente, then gently fold in sour cream for a creamy texture.
5. Layering Technique: Create a smooth noodle base in the baking dish, then pour seasoned meat sauce evenly across the surface.
6. Cheese Finale: Sprinkle a harmonious blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
7. Baking Process: Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 5-10 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. Serving: Rest the casserole for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle. Serve with complementary sides like garlic bread or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

• Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Simmer Sauce Patiently: Allow meat sauce to reduce and develop deep flavors by maintaining a gentle simmer, which concentrates the tomato and spice profile.
• Coat Noodles Smoothly: Fold sour cream into hot noodles carefully to create a creamy base without creating lumpy or uneven texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Cover casserole initially to prevent cheese from burning, then uncover to achieve a perfect golden, bubbly cheese topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 491
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 719 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg