Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty, oven-baked dish with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, topped with a golden, bubbly cheese layer. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the beef mixture:
- 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 Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the pasta layer:
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
For topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Pasta Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked egg noodles with sour cream and cottage cheese. Stir to coat.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the noodle mixture in the dish.
- Add half of the beef mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat layers with remaining noodles and beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake and Serve:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Change the cheese: Substitute ricotta for cottage cheese or use a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Vegetarian option: Replace beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beef Lombardi Casserole, baked pasta dish, cheesy casserole, comfort food recipe, easy dinner idea