Dreaming of something cozy, cheesy, and downright irresistible for dinner? Beef Lombardi Casserole is an old-school classic that wraps all the best comfort food flavors into one bubbling, golden pan. Tender noodles nestled under a rich tomato and ground beef sauce, all sealed with a layer of gooey, melty cheese—this is the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table. It’s the ultimate answer to busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you want a warm, hearty meal that feels like an edible hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef Lombardi Casserole is in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients—each one has an important role, from flavor and richness to that beautiful cheese-pull finish. Gather these up, and you’re halfway to a showstopper everyone will love.
- 1 pound ground beef: The foundational flavor of the casserole—choose lean for less grease, but even an 80/20 blend will yield hearty, juicy results.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma, building a flavor base for the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skip the garlic! It brings depth and irresistible savoriness to the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice: The tomatoes provide freshness and just the right touch of acidity.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Brings the sauce together and makes it luxuriously smooth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the casserole its classic, homey vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning—don’t forget to taste and adjust as needed!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick and heightens other flavors.
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles: These become your comforting, pillowy base—make sure not to overcook them, since they’ll soften more in the oven.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Delivers creamy richness and a delightful tang.
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese: The secret ingredient for a luscious texture and light flavor—plus bonus protein!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, gooey, and colorful—basically casserole royalty.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates those stretchy, bubbly, melty cheese pockets we all crave.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Freshens up the finished dish with a pop of green and a little herbal note.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step makes sure the Beef Lombardi Casserole doesn’t stick, and preheating ensures it bakes perfectly even and bubbly.
Step 2: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is nicely browned and the onion has softened—about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer together for about 10 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible—this simmering step gives Beef Lombardi Casserole its deep, savory flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Noodle Layer
While the sauce does its magic, combine your cooked egg noodles with sour cream and cottage cheese in a mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat every noodle evenly—this blend is the key to the casserole’s creamy, dreamy core.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Spoon half of the noodle mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beefy tomato sauce, spreading it to cover the noodles. Repeat with the remaining noodle mixture and sauce, then finish by sprinkling both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses all over the top.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and the edges are bubbling. Let Beef Lombardi Casserole rest out of the oven for 5 to 10 minutes so it sets up for perfect servings. Sprinkle with parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley delivers a vibrant pop of color and brightness to Beef Lombardi Casserole. You could also add a dusting of extra black pepper or even a little grated Parmesan if you want to amp up the savoriness.
Side Dishes
This rich, cheesy casserole pairs beautifully with simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread. Try serving it with a crisp romaine salad tossed in vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli—the freshness balances out the deep, comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re cooking for a crowd or want to make dinner extra special, portion Beef Lombardi Casserole into individual ramekins for a personal touch. Another fun twist: bake it in a cast-iron skillet or serve it family-style right from the bubbling baking dish, inviting everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more over time, making Beef Lombardi Casserole a fantastic next-day treat for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. You can also freeze baked leftovers in portioned containers for reheating later.
Reheating
Reheat Beef Lombardi Casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly (about 20 to 25 minutes for a full pan or 5 to 10 minutes for individual servings). For speed, you can also microwave slices—just cover to retain moisture and avoid splattering.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
Absolutely! If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, swap it for ricotta cheese, or use all sour cream for a slightly different but still creamy texture in your Beef Lombardi Casserole.
Is it possible to make Beef Lombardi Casserole ahead?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it up to two days in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for a stress-free dinner solution.
What ground meat can I use instead of beef?
You can easily use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even a meatless crumble if you want a vegetarian Beef Lombardi Casserole twist.
Can I use different noodles?
Of course! While egg noodles are traditional, short pastas like penne or rotini also work. Just cook them al dente so they hold up during baking.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for a bubbling center and beautifully melted, golden cheese on top. If you insert a knife, it should come out hot, ensuring Beef Lombardi Casserole is perfectly cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Whenever you crave a little culinary comfort, Beef Lombardi Casserole is the answer. With its layers of creamy noodles, rich sauce, and cheesy crown, it never fails to warm hearts and fill bellies. Invite loved ones to the table and enjoy every savory, nostalgic bite!
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy noodles, and gooey cheese, baked to perfection. This family-friendly casserole is a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Seasoned Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Noodle Layer:
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Prepare noodle mixture: Combine cooked noodles with sour cream and cottage cheese.
- Layer the casserole: Alternate layers of noodle mixture, meat sauce, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Top with remaining cheese and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- It can also be frozen before baking for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
