The Heartwarming Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe Everyone Craves

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty beef lombardi casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Layers of tender beef, robust pasta, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors sure to delight.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this classic casserole delivers with its rich, satisfying profile.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing taste or quality.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of meaty goodness and creamy texture that feels like a warm embrace.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms into a meal everyone will request again and again.

Gather your appetite and prepare for a culinary experience that will become a family favorite.

Beef Lombardi Casserole – A Comfort Classic

• This beef lombardi casserole delivers pure comfort food magic that brings everyone to the table with its rich, hearty flavors and simple preparation.
• Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add extra vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Packed with protein, creamy sauce, and satisfying noodles, this casserole eliminates multiple cooking steps and delivers a complete meal in a single baking dish.
• Minimal prep work and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Pasta Noodles: Provides a satisfying texture and helps to bulk up the dish.
• Cheese: Adds richness and creates a delicious melted topping.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy sauce that binds the casserole together.

• Onions, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Tomato Paste, Tomatoes, Seasonings, Cornstarch: These ingredients add depth, spice, and help thicken the sauce while bringing out the rich flavors of the beef and pasta.

Tools to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole Easy

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and onions with deep, even heat.
• Baking Dish: Ceramic or glass dish perfect for layering and baking casserole.
• Pasta Pot: Needed to boil noodles and reserve cooking water.
• Mixing Bowl: Use for combining cream sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients without scratching pans.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure pasta water and other ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese topping.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.

Cooking Steps for Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in some oil, heating it up over medium flame.

Step 2: Sizzle the Protein

Toss ground beef and chopped onions into the hot skillet.

Let them dance and brown together for 8-10 minutes.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to wake up the flavors.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

Dive in with tomato paste, minced garlic, and your favorite seasonings.

Pour in the tomatoes and let everything simmer and meld for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Noodle Magic

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the noodles and cook for 3 minutes.

Before draining, scoop out 2 cups of that starchy liquid gold.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Cornstarch
• Splash of reserved pasta water

Whisk until silky smooth and luxurious.

Step 6: Marry the Noodles and Sauce

Gently fold the noodles into the creamy sauce, adding more reserved water to create a dreamy coating.

Step 7: Build the Casserole Layers

Spread the saucy noodles into a baking dish.

Crown them with the beefy tomato mixture and a blanket of cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven.

Let it bubble and brown for 25-30 minutes until it’s a golden, crispy masterpiece.

Insider Tips for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Slightly undercook noodles to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture in the final casserole.
• Whisk cream cheese and sour cream thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky, creamy sauce that coats every noodle.
• Add a splash of reserved pasta water to deepen the sauce's richness and help it cling better to the noodles.
• Sprinkle extra cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds delightful texture.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for an even more delicious meal.

Casserole Mix-Ups – Beef Lombardi Styles

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace beef with plant-based ground crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the casserole's creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables, and ensure all seasonings and tomato products are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace some cheese with pepper jack for a zesty, kicked-up flavor profile.

Serving Up Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Hearty Dinner Companion: Serve this Beef Lombardi Casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
• Veggie Side Kick: Roast seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus with olive oil and herbs to complement the casserole's robust flavors.
• Bread Basket Boost: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to enhance the beef's savory notes and balance the creamy texture.

Best Storage for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Label with date.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs

• What makes this beef Lombardi casserole different from other pasta dishes?

This casserole combines creamy sauce, hearty beef, and melted cheese in one comforting dish, creating a rich and satisfying meal that’s more indulgent than traditional pasta recipes.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and season well to maintain the dish’s robust flavor profile.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Absolutely! The casserole uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and basic pantry staples, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole delivers classic comfort with layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Southern-style goodness brings warmth to dinner tables with simple ingredients and rich flavors you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes with chilies, drained
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt

Creamy and Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups sour cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions until meat browns thoroughly, approximately 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, minced garlic, selected seasonings, and diced tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
4. Cook pasta in boiling water for 3 minutes, carefully reserving 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
5. Create a creamy sauce by whisking sour cream, cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until completely smooth and well-blended.
6. Gently fold pasta into the cream sauce, incorporating remaining pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
7. Assemble the casserole by spreading pasta mixture into a baking dish, then layering beef mixture on top, and finishing with a generous sprinkle of cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole becomes bubbly and develops a light golden-brown crust on top.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding jalapeños for extra spice lovers.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Reserve pasta cooking water carefully to control sauce consistency and prevent dry or overly runny casserole texture.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a healthier version without sacrificing creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg