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
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- 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.
- Incorporate tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and celery salt into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors.
- Add drained tomatoes to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to develop rich, concentrated flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook egg noodles in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, reserving 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Create a creamy sauce by whisking sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold cooked noodles with remaining pasta water, then spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the noodle base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese across the entire casserole surface.
- 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