Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole
Need an easy, hearty, soul-satisfying dish that will please a crowd but take you little time to prepare? Let us introduce you to Beef Lombardi Casserole! With cheesy layers of goodness, savory ground beef, and tangy tomatoes, this casserole is bound to be a household staple. It’s easy to make and packed with rich flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or meal prep.
Read on for the full low-down on all you need to know to make the most amazing Beef Lombardi Casserole ever, including the ingredient list, how to prepare and serve it and a few two frequently asked questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: With filling, heart-warming ingredients such as spiced beef, rich cheese and soft pasta, this casserole has all the elements you need.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps and common ingredients mean you can make it with no fuss, whether you’re a novice or an expert.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake. It’s perfect for people with busy schedules.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether you cook for your family or entertain, this casserole is a hit every time.
- Great for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
So now let’s round up what you want!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean works best)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta Layer
- 10 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella
Required Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium mixing bowls
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the diced onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon while it cooks, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar, salt and pepper and stir. Gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. DIRECTIONS: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
PreparationIt is recommended to preheat the oven to 375 degrees (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Layer 1 (Bottom): evenly spread half of the cooked egg noodles on the bottom of the casserole dish.
Layer 2 (Middle): Mix together sour cream, ricotta cheese and milk in a bowl, spread this creamy mixture over the noodles.
Layer 3 (Top): Top with a portion of the beef mixture, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers if needed.
Cover the pan with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting into slices. Add some freshly chopped parsley for color. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
ow to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole
Serve this dish, which is rich and cheesy, with a few fresh sides for balance. Here are some serving ideas:
- Salad: A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette balance the casserole’s heft.
- Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread as an added comfort.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccolini, green beans or roasted asparagus are excellent sides.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine–such as Merlot or Chianti–goes fabulously with the savory flavors of the casserole.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prep this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole fully, wrap it well in foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. To bake, simply do the same, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the timing.
2. How do you freeze Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before baking.
3. Can I substitute the noodles?
You can use different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente before you layer it. If you need to go gluten free, gluten-free pasta can work as well.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchinis to the beef mix to give you more nutrition.
5. What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
You can swap in mozzarella, Monterey Jack or a cheese blend for a similar effect.
6. Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or fine-chopped mushrooms.
Bring Comfort to Your Table
Beef Lombardi Casserole is comfort food, easy to make, filling to eat and will please the crowd. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or just seeking some meal prep inspiration, this dish won’t let you down.
Looking to shake up your dinner schedule? Try this recipe out, and just enjoy some cozy, cheesy goodness. Happy cooking!