Savory Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Hearty beef lombardi casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table with its rich, melted cheese and perfectly seasoned layers.

Pasta intertwines with savory ground beef in this classic Southern-style dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Creamy textures and bold flavors make every single bite memorable and satisfying.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive meal that comes together quickly in one baking dish.

Noodles absorb the delicious sauce while creating a mouthwatering combination of ingredients that dance on your palate.

Cheese bubbles and browns, creating a golden crust that signals pure deliciousness is about to be served.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will become your new weeknight favorite.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Overview

• Quick Family Comfort: Craft a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone together with classic flavors and warm, cheesy goodness.
• Minimal Kitchen Effort: Prepare a delicious dinner with simple steps and straightforward ingredients that require minimal cooking techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Create a complete meal in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy households.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: The main protein source that adds rich, hearty flavor to the casserole.
• Chopped Onion: Provides a savory base flavor and aromatic foundation for the beef mixture.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth texture and adds tangy richness to the casserole.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Delivers a melty, flavorful topping that browns beautifully during baking.

• Egg Noodles: Serves as the foundational carbohydrate layer in the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Adds moisture and a slight spicy kick to the beef mixture.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Celery Salt, Minced Garlic: Provide depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken and stabilize the cream mixture.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the beef and onions.
• Noodle Cooking Water: Helps to create a smooth and cohesive sauce consistency.

Instructions for Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a large skillet and drizzle some olive oil, letting it shimmer and dance over medium heat.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Chopped onion
• Ground beef

Sizzle and stir this dynamic duo for 8-10 minutes until the beef looks perfectly golden and onions turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle some salt and pepper for that extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Tomato paste
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Celery salt
• Drained diced tomatoes with chilies

Keep stirring and let everything mingle for 5 minutes until the mixture gets slightly thicker.

Step 4: Noodle Magic

Boil a pot of water and drop in egg noodles.

Cook them for just 3 minutes – they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Save 2 cups of that starchy water before draining.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Blend

• Sour cream
• Softened cream cheese
• Cornstarch
• Half cup of reserved noodle water

Blend until smooth and dreamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Base

Fold the partially cooked noodles into the creamy mixture.

Pour everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Season with a final sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Step 7: Layer the Goodness

Spread the beefy mixture evenly over the noodles, making sure every inch gets covered.

Step 8: Cheese Crown and Bake

Shower the top with shredded Colby Jack cheese.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Expert Tips for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Drain excess fat from beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a lighter, more enjoyable dish.
• Cook noodles al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Try different cheese varieties like mozzarella or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Use low-fat sour cream and cream cheese to create a healthier version without compromising taste.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.

Variations to Try on Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Veggie Beef Substitute Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian protein option that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Swap traditional egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate wheat sensitivities while keeping core recipe intact.
• Low-Carb Cheese-Lover's Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of noodles and add extra cheese layers for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Incorporate jalapeños, swap Colby Jack for pepper jack cheese, and add chipotle seasoning to transform the casserole into a zestier southwestern-style dish.

Pairing Ideas for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Choose a robust red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the Beef Lombardi Casserole, cutting through its creamy texture and enhancing the dish's bold spices.
• Craft a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette featuring fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing to balance the casserole's hearty and rich profile, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or a rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy noodle casserole.

Storage Advice for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Store leftover Beef Lombardi Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and protect other foods from absorbing its strong flavors.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. Stays fresh for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a lean alternative. You can also use ground pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or use a spicier variety of diced tomatoes with chilies. You can also include a dash of hot sauce when mixing the cream ingredients.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole delivers classic comfort with layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Southern-style dish promises satisfying flavors you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) lean ground beef
• 1 package (12 oz or 340 g) egg noodles
• 2 1/2 cups (226 g) Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
• 1 1/4 cups (296 ml) sour cream
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 3 cans (10 oz or 284 g each) diced tomatoes with chilies (drained)
• 4 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp celery salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil warming.
2. Combine chopped onions and ground beef in the skillet, cooking for 8-10 minutes until beef browns and onions become translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and diced tomatoes with chilies into the beef mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring consistently until slightly reduced.
4. Boil a pot of water and cook egg noodles for 3 minutes, reserving 2 cups of cooking water before draining.
5. Whisk sour cream, cream cheese, cornstarch, and half cup of reserved noodle water until smooth and well-blended.
6. Mix partially cooked noodles with cream mixture, then transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Spread beef mixture evenly over noodle layer, ensuring complete coverage using a spoon to smooth the surface.
8. Top the casserole with shredded Colby Jack cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Notes

• Customize beef type by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences.
• Reserve extra pasta water strategically to help control sauce consistency, preventing dry or overly wet casserole texture.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the beef mixture for added vegetables.
• Create make-ahead friendly option by assembling casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating before baking, which allows flavors to develop more deeply.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 542 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 745 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg