Looking for a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers? This Beef Lombardi Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a cheesy, creamy topping. This casserole is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week. Read on to learn how to make this delicious, flavor-packed casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite!
What Is Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a layered baked dish made with seasoned ground beef, pasta, a flavorful tomato sauce, and a cheesy, creamy layer on top. The beef and pasta are combined in a rich tomato sauce, then topped with a mixture of sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar for a creamy, tangy, and cheesy finish. It's a dish that brings together the best of Italian-style pasta casseroles and Southern comfort food, making it a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients List for Beef Lombardi Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Beef Lombardi Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with their juice)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz egg noodles (or your favorite pasta, such as penne or rotini)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is versatile, allowing you to make substitutions and variations to suit your taste:
- Ground Beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta: While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but you can use a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Tomato Sauce: If you want a chunkier sauce, use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. You can also add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
- Vegetables: Add some extra veggies like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to boost the nutrition and flavor of the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Beef Lombardi Casserole step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles (or pasta of choice) until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onions and garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the tomato ingredients and seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the creamy layer: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the beef-tomato mixture. Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the beef layer, and then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
How to Cook Beef Lombardi Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap to ensure you make the perfect Beef Lombardi Casserole every time:
- Cook the pasta until al dente and set it aside.
- Brown the ground beef and cook the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Simmer the tomato sauce with diced tomatoes, seasoning, and beef.
- Layer the casserole with noodles, beef sauce, creamy mixture, and cheese.
- Bake until bubbly, and let it rest before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a straightforward dish like Beef Lombardi Casserole, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the noodles until just al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Not draining the beef: Make sure to drain the excess fat after browning the beef. Too much grease can make the casserole oily.
- Not seasoning enough: Don’t forget to taste the beef-tomato mixture and adjust the seasoning before layering the casserole. The cheese and cream will mellow out the flavors, so make sure the sauce is well-seasoned.
- Skipping the resting time: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it can set. This helps the layers hold together better and makes serving easier.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty dish, but you can make it even more special by serving it alongside a few simple sides:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread: A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls is perfect for mopping up the rich sauce.
- Pair with a side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Caesar salad adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the casserole.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole
This casserole is a filling meal on its own, but you can add some sides for a complete dinner:
- Salads: A crisp green salad, Caesar salad, or even a Mediterranean-style salad pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, to round out the meal.
- Bread: Warm garlic bread, crusty French bread, or dinner rolls make a great accompaniment to soak up the cheesy, savory sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Lombardi Casserole
Even though casseroles are considered casual comfort food, you can still make your Beef Lombardi Casserole look more appealing:
- Use a beautiful baking dish: A colorful ceramic or glass baking dish can elevate the look of the casserole when you bring it to the table.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or even thyme on top adds a vibrant contrast to the golden, cheesy topping.
- Serve in individual portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve the casserole in individual bowls or ramekins with a garnish of extra cheese and fresh herbs.
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe Tips
To ensure your Beef Lombardi Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or hosting guests.
- Freeze leftovers: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to mix in extra veggies, adjust the seasonings, or add different cheeses to make the casserole suit your family’s preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Beef Lombardi Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it as directed when ready to serve.
**Q: Can I freeze Beef Lombardi Casser
ole?**
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What kind of pasta should I use?
A: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
A: To lighten it up, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Conclusion
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to make, customizable, and can even be made ahead of time. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor!
PrintBeef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
This Beef Lombardi Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and tender pasta for a hearty and delicious dish. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, this easy-to-make casserole offers rich, comforting flavors that will satisfy everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer cooked macaroni, then spread the sour cream over the noodles.
- Add the beef mixture on top of the sour cream layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- You can add black olives or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- This casserole freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
Leave a Reply