The Best Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Hearty beef Lombardi casserole speaks volumes about comfort cooking with its rich, satisfying layers of flavor.

Pasta noodles intertwine perfectly with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese.

Weeknight dinners often demand quick yet delicious solutions that feel like home.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish for its simplicity and warmth.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that hugs you from the inside.

Cheese bubbles golden brown, promising a delightful experience with every forkful.

You’ll want to gather around the table and savor each comforting bite.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe is mild. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• Do I need to drain the ground beef?

Yes, drain excess fat after cooking the beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Savory Features for Casserole Lovers

• Boost Family Dinner Excitement: Create a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together around the table with rich, comforting flavors.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a delicious one-dish wonder that combines protein, pasta, and cheese into a simple, satisfying dinner solution.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this versatile casserole match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• No-Fuss Comfort Food: Enjoy a classic dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a stress-free meal option.

All Ingredients Needed for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the main base of the casserole.
• Egg Noodles: Soft pasta that provides a comforting foundation for the dish.
• Colby Jack Cheese: A melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the casserole.

• Tomato Paste, Drained Tomatoes: These ingredients create a robust and tangy sauce for the beef mixture.
• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Celery Salt: Seasonings that enhance the depth and complexity of the tomato sauce.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Dairy ingredients that create a smooth and velvety sauce for the casserole.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps bind the creamy mixture together.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Salt, Pepper: Basic ingredients that add foundational flavor and help cook the ground beef.
• Noodle Water: A secret ingredient that helps create moisture and richness in the dish.

Instructions for Cooking Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F.

This will help create that perfect golden-brown finish we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef Base

Grab a skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium heat.

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions

Brown the meat completely and cook until onions become soft and glassy.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper for a flavor boost.

Step 3: Build Robust Tomato Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Celery salt
• Drained tomatoes

Let everything simmer and meld together for 5 more minutes, creating a rich sauce.

Step 4: Cook Noodle Foundation

Boil egg noodles for exactly 3 minutes.

Carefully set aside 2 cups of the starchy cooking water before draining.

Step 5: Whip Creamy Cheese Blend

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

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Mix cooked noodles with remaining noodle water.

Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread beef mixture evenly across the top.

Step 7: Blanket with Cheese

Generously sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the entire casserole.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Top Tips for a Cheesy, Beefy Result

• Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a silky, creamy sauce that binds the casserole together perfectly.
• Use the reserved noodle water when mixing cheese ingredients to maintain moisture and enhance the overall texture of the dish.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
• Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to add a personal flavor twist to the classic recipe.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

Creative Casserole Variations for Beef Lombardi

• Vegetarian Veggie Lovers: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version that maintains the casserole's rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles to create a celiac-friendly option without sacrificing taste and texture.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Use cauliflower rice instead of noodles and swap tomato ingredients with low-carb marinara sauce to transform the recipe into a keto-compliant meal.
• Greek-Inspired Alternative: Substitute beef with ground lamb, replace Italian seasoning with oregano, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style casserole experience.

Suggestions for Serving Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Family-Style Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread to complete the meal.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans to add nutritional balance and vibrant color to the plate.
• Weekend Gathering Feast: Create a cozy dinner experience by adding a light red wine or chilled iced tea, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual weekend meals.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining casserole in airtight containers for quick lunches, reheating portions for a delicious next-day meal that tastes just as good as the first serving.

Proper Storage for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting beef lombardi casserole brings hearty Italian-American flavors to dinner tables with its rich layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Home cooks savor this satisfying one-dish meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every single bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 package (12 ounces) egg noodles

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes with chilies, drained
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups sour cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until translucent, then add ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking meat into small crumbles.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and celery salt into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors.
4. Add drained tomatoes to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to develop rich, concentrated flavors.
5. Meanwhile, cook egg noodles in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, reserving 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
6. Create a creamy sauce by whisking sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until smooth and well combined.
7. Gently fold cooked noodles with remaining pasta water, then spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
8. Layer the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the noodle base, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Generously sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese across the entire casserole surface.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbling top.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Try ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for those seeking lower-calorie or vegetarian options.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles to make the dish suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more depth of flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg