Beef Lombardi Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a delightful south-of-the-border flair. This hearty casserole combines tender egg noodles tossed in creamy sour cream, a flavorful tomato-based beef sauce, and a generous trio of cheeses that melt to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. This step-by-step guide will show you how to make the best Beef Lombardi Casserole your family will love!
Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
This easy Beef Lombardi Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The rich, savory ground beef sauce, paired with creamy noodles and a cheesy, golden topping, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or serving a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole will shine. The subtle kick from green chiles adds just the right amount of heat, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Why Our Beef Lombardi Casserole Is the Best
- Layers of Flavor: A combination of tomatoes, green chiles, and seasonings makes the sauce bold and delicious.
- Cheesy Perfection: With cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, every bite is rich and gooey.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just one hour with simple, everyday ingredients.
Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole
Each ingredient in this Beef Lombardi Casserole is carefully chosen to create a comforting and irresistible dish.
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel)
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 (12 oz) package egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Ingredient Tip: For an extra creamy casserole, stir in a splash of starchy pasta water when mixing the noodles and sour cream.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Large skillet
- 9×13 baking dish
- Medium saucepan (for noodles)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is simple to prepare, yet the flavors are complex and satisfying. Follow these steps for the perfect casserole every time:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a deeper flavor, let it simmer for 30 minutes or longer.
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with sour cream until fully coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the sour cream-coated noodles evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. If the cheese browns too quickly, cover with foil.
- Let Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
How to Store Beef Lombardi Casserole
To store your Beef Lombardi Casserole, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake covered in the oven until heated through.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Beef Lombardi Casserole Variations
Looking to customize your Beef Lombardi Casserole? Try these creative variations:
- Add Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the egg noodles with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a delicious gluten-free alternative.
What to Serve With Beef Lombardi Casserole
Round out your meal with these perfect pairings:
- A crisp side salad with ranch or vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
Top Tips for Perfect Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the sauce simmer longer for a richer, more developed taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Helpful Notes
- If your cheese isn’t melting evenly, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking for a perfectly golden top.
- This recipe is great for meal prep—assemble ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready!
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Always use high-quality canned tomatoes for your sauces. The better the tomatoes, the richer the flavor.”
- Ree Drummond: “Mixing in sour cream with pasta adds a luxurious creaminess that’s hard to beat.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Beef Lombardi Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked casserole, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Egg noodles are the classic choice, but any short pasta like rotini or penne works great.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
What’s the best cheese combination?
A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan offers the perfect balance of flavor and meltability.
Beef Lombardi Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. With its comforting layers and irresistible flavor, it’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends. Enjoy!
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
– For the Beef Layer:
- – 2 pounds ground beef
- – 1 medium onion chopped
- – 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
- – 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (drained)
- – 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – 1 teaspoon black pepper
– For the Creamy Noodles:
- – 12 oz wide egg noodles
- – 8 oz sour cream
- – 8 oz cream cheese softened
- – 1/2 cup green onions sliced
– For the Topping:
- – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Noodles: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sour cream, cream cheese, and green onions. Mix until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the creamy noodles on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the noodles. Repeat with the remaining noodles and beef mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
- Customizations: Add cooked mushrooms, black olives, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
