Beef Lombardi Recipe: A Rich and Comforting Casserole
Beef Lombardi is a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying casserole made with ground beef, tomatoes, egg noodles, sour cream, and cheese, all baked to perfection. This comforting dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option. The layers of creamy pasta, flavorful beef, and melted cheese create a rich and indulgent meal that everyone will love. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
For another comforting beef dish, try Cracker Barrel Meatloaf.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Sauce
To the cooked beef, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta Layer
While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and toss them with sour cream until evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sour cream-coated noodles at the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and beef mixture.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then dust with paprika for added flavor. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a perfect side dish, pair it with Garlic Bread.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy warm.
Tips for the Best Beef Lombardi
- Use lean ground beef – This helps reduce excess grease, making the casserole less oily.
- Let it rest – Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Add a little spice – A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne can add a mild kick.
- Try different cheeses – Swap out mozzarella for Monterey Jack or Colby for a unique twist.
- Make it ahead – This dish can be assembled and refrigerated up to a day in advance before baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef Lombardi is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, making it great for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prepping. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Lombardi is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with a few side dishes enhances the meal:
- Side Salad – A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables – Carrots, broccoli, or green beans add freshness and color.
- Roasted Garlic Bread – A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the cheesy, meaty layers.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy and refreshing side that adds texture.
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a little extra sour cream or melted cheese on top before serving.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Beef Lombardi – Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Turkey Lombardi – Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Vegetable Lombardi – Mix in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Extra Cheesy Lombardi – Add an extra 1/2 cup of cheese for a cheesier, gooey texture.
Conclusion
Beef Lombardi is a rich, creamy, and satisfying casserole that’s packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With layers of creamy noodles, seasoned beef, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate homestyle meal. Try it today and enjoy a warm, hearty, and delicious dish!
Beef Lombardi
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz egg noodles cooked and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant
- To the cooked beef, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and toss them with sour cream until evenly coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sour cream-coated noodles at the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then dust with paprika for added flavor. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
