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