Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: Family-Pleasing Comfort

Hearty beef lombardi casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table with layers of rich, melted goodness.

Pasta nestles between savory ground beef and a creamy sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this rustic dish as a crowd-pleaser.

Cheese bubbles golden and inviting across the top, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the entire kitchen.

Weeknight meals gain instant charm with this simple yet delectable recipe.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor, ensuring everyone around the table will ask for seconds.

Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole and provides rich, savory flavor.
• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that creates a tender and comforting foundation for the dish.
• Cheese: Adds creamy texture and a delicious melted topping to the casserole.

• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy and creamy element that adds moisture and depth to the casserole.
• Green Onions: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the sour cream mixture.

• Garlic, Tomatoes, Seasonings: These ingredients enhance the beef mixture with robust and aromatic flavors, creating a well-seasoned base for the casserole.

How to Prepare Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Boil Noodles to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the egg noodles and cook until they’re tender yet slightly firm, typically around 7-8 minutes.

Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Ground Beef with Aromatic Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Add minced garlic and cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Enhance Beef with Robust Flavors

• Diced tomatoes
• Italian herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the mixture for 5-6 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Green Onion Sauce

• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• A pinch of salt

Whisk until smooth and well-integrated.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole with Delicious Ingredients

• Spread cooked noodles as the first layer
• Pour browned beef mixture evenly
• Dollop the sour cream mixture
• Sprinkle shredded cheese generously

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Irresistible

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become beautifully bubbly.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Boil egg noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a delightful texture throughout the casserole.
• After browning ground beef, carefully drain extra grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily and heavy.
• Create even layers of noodles, beef, and cheese to ensure every bite has a balanced mix of flavors and ingredients.
• Sprinkle cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, crispy top without burning.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option.

Variations on Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Vegetarian Lombardi: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles, using the same seasoning technique for protein-rich alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap egg noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, replace green onions with cilantro, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the rich, creamy casserole essence while reducing carbohydrate content.

Serving Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty casserole as the star of your evening meal, paired with a crisp green salad for a balanced plate.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, where it's sure to disappear quickly and earn you plenty of compliments.
• Weekend Comfort Meal: Enjoy with warm garlic bread and roasted vegetables for a satisfying weekend lunch or dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Leftover Magic: Store extra portions in individual containers for quick work lunches or easy reheat-and-eat dinners during busy weeknights.

Storing Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated evenly. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• What makes this casserole different from other beef casseroles?

This Beef Lombardi Casserole stands out with its unique layering technique and combination of sour cream, green onions, and ground beef, creating a rich and flavorful dish that’s more complex than standard ground beef casseroles.

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with wide egg noodles, pasta shells, or even rotini. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the right texture in the final dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Beef Lombardi Casserole reheats wonderfully and can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Full of Flavor

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep and straightforward ingredients make this dish a go-to for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to personalize the casserole, making it adaptable to your family's tastes and dietary preferences.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and dairy in a single pan, reducing cleanup and providing a complete meal that feels like a warm, comforting hug.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful Southern-style dish. Rich layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or weekend dinners you’ll savor with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup green onions
• 2 cloves garlic

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Boil egg noodles in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, crushing meat into small crumbles and infusing with minced garlic until meat browns thoroughly.
3. Pour diced tomatoes into the beef mixture, incorporating herbs and spices to develop a rich, savory sauce.
4. Combine sour cream with finely chopped green onions, creating a creamy, tangy blend with vibrant color and fresh flavor.
5. Spread a thin layer of cooked noodles across the bottom of a greased casserole dish as the foundational base.
6. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the noodle layer, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Dollop the sour cream and green onion mixture across the beef, creating gentle swirls and peaks.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire surface, guaranteeing complete top coverage.
9. Transfer the assembled casserole to a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly cook noodles just shy of complete tenderness to prevent mushiness during baking.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to avoid excess grease pooling in the casserole.
• Select full-fat sour cream for richer, creamier texture that helps bind layers together.
• Consider using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives that maintain similar flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg