Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
A comforting, cheesy, and meaty casserole dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks! This Beef Lombardi Casserole features layers of pasta, a rich tomato-based beef sauce, and a creamy cheese topping.
Ingredients
For the Beef Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta Layer:
- 8 oz egg noodles or rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, toss with butter, and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Prepare the Creamy Layer
- In a bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese (or ricotta).
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked pasta in an even layer.
- Add the sour cream mixture over the pasta.
- Pour the beef sauce evenly over the layers.
- Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Servings & Nutritional Info
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: ~400-500 (varies based on ingredients)
Protein: ~25g
Carbs: ~40g
Fat: ~20g
Tips & Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Customization: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Egg noodles, rotini, or penne are great choices as they hold the sauce well.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the tomato sauce is GF-certified.
Would you like any modifications or additional details?