Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Tucking into a hearty beef lombardi casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of tender pasta, rich ground meat, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic comfort dish.

Nostalgia wafts through the kitchen as familiar aromas promise a satisfying meal.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the simple yet robust combination of ingredients.

Creamy textures and bold seasonings make this casserole a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this irresistible recipe.

Why You’ll Want Seconds of Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Crush Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a hearty, satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors.
• Master One-Dish Wonder: Combine protein, pasta, and cheese in a single baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing deliciousness for busy home cooks.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like noodles, beef, and melted cheese, this casserole guarantees smiles around the dinner table and minimal mealtime battles.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in under an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients That Make This Casserole Sing

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole and provides rich, savory flavor.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Colby Jack Cheese: These ingredients create a creamy, tangy texture and add depth to the casserole.

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that serves as the foundation of the casserole.
• Onion, Garlic, Celery Salt, Tomatoes with Chilies: These ingredients add layers of flavor and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Tomato Paste, Italian Seasoning, Reserved Noodle Water: These components enhance the overall taste and help bind the ingredients together.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.

Making the Beef Lombardi Casserole Magic

Step 1: Heat Up the Kitchen

Warm your oven to 350°F. Grab a large skillet and drizzle olive oil, heating it over medium flame.

This sets the stage for a delicious meal that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

• Ground beef
• Onions

Toss chopped onions into the hot skillet with beef.

Cook and stir for 8-10 minutes until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and onions become soft and translucent. Sprinkle some salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Celery salt
• Drained tomatoes with chilies

Stir in all sauce ingredients. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, creating a rich and aromatic base that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Boil water in a pot and cook egg noodles for 3 minutes. Drain the noodles but save 2 cups of the cooking water – this secret ingredient adds extra magic to the dish.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Cornstarch
• Noodle water

Whisk these ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth and silky. This creamy blend will give the casserole its luxurious texture.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Cream

Add partially cooked noodles to the cream mixture. Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 7: Layer the Beef

Spread the beef mixture over the noodles, creating a hearty layer of flavor.

Step 8: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese generously over the top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a beautiful golden brown.

Casserole Cooking Tips That Work

• Use high-quality ground beef for richer flavor and better texture in the casserole.
• Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps create a creamy, smooth sauce without drying out the dish.
• Partially cook noodles to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or monterey jack for unique taste profiles.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Flavor Ideas for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Beef Casserole: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Version: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, use oregano and mint, incorporate feta cheese, and add kalamata olives for Mediterranean flair.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Swap: Replace beef with sautéed portobello mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of meat, and add spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Creamy Chicken Transformation: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, use cream of mushroom soup, and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top for a comforting variation.

Sides That Pair Well with This Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, hearty beef flavors and cut through the creamy cheese.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy texture and provide a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Cool Beer Match: Choose a malty amber ale or robust craft lager that stands up to the beef's robust seasonings and enhances the dish's savory profile.
• Bright Vegetable Side: Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and olive oil to add a vibrant, crunchy element that brightens the casserole's rich, creamy consistency.

Best Storage for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent further browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Common Questions About Beef Lombardi Casserole

• What makes this Beef Lombardi Casserole different from other pasta casseroles?

This recipe combines hearty ground beef with a creamy sauce and Colby Jack cheese, creating a unique, rich flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional pasta bakes.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Colby Jack?

Absolutely! Cheddar or monterey jack work great as substitutes and will provide similar melting properties and flavor to the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy because of the tomatoes with chilies?

The tomatoes with chilies add a mild kick, but the dish isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer less heat, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole delivers classic comfort with rich layers of ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese. Midwestern home cooking shines through this satisfying one-dish meal that brings family together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Dairy:

• 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 1/4 cups sour cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes with chilies, drained

Pasta:

• 1 package (12 ounces) egg noodles

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 350°F (175°C) oven, positioning the rack in the center for even cooking.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions with ground beef over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles until beef browns and onions become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and diced tomatoes with chilies, allowing the ingredients to meld and thicken for 5 minutes.
4. Simultaneously, boil water and cook egg noodles for precisely 3 minutes, then drain while reserving 2 cups of cooking liquid.
5. Create a creamy base by whisking sour cream, cream cheese, cornstarch, and half a cup of reserved noodle water until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
6. Gently fold partially cooked noodles into the cream mixture, incorporating remaining reserved liquid to ensure proper coating.
7. Transfer the noodle-cream blend into a thoroughly greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform base.
8. Layer the seasoned beef mixture across the noodle foundation, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
9. Generously sprinkle Colby Jack cheese over the top, creating a rich, melty surface.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust and edges become slightly crisp.

Notes

• Pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls complement the richness.
• A glass of red wine works well with the beefy, tomato-forward sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg