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Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe


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4.4 from 79 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings layered with tender egg noodles and a creamy mixture of sour cream and cottage cheese. Topped with a generous amount of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. It combines rich flavors with a variety of textures, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta

  • 2 cups uncooked egg noodles

Creamy Mixture

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese

Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Allow this mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. Cook Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles in boiling water according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  5. Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese thoroughly. This mixture will add creaminess to the casserole layers.
  6. Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked egg noodles evenly on the bottom. Next, spread the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by the remaining noodles on top.
  7. Add the Beef: Evenly pour and spread the cooked beef and tomato mixture over the layered noodles and creamy cheese base.
  8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the entire dish, ensuring full coverage for a cheesy crust.
  9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden browned.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Ensure to drain the cooked beef to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
  • Cooking the egg noodles just until al dente prevents them from overcooking during baking.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your preference for a lighter or cheesier casserole.
  • The crushed red pepper flakes are optional but provide a nice subtle heat if included.
  • Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set and makes slicing portions easier.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American