Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

If you’re hunting for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Beef Lombardi Casserole. This classic, crowd-pleasing bake layers hearty ground beef, tender noodles, a tangy cream cheese and sour cream blend, and a bubbly topping of sharp cheddar cheese. Every forkful is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a staple for cozy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you want a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking your freezer, Beef Lombardi Casserole delivers every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Beef Lombardi Casserole is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something unforgettable. Each component adds its own magic—savory, creamy, or just the right amount of crunch and tang—to make every bite irresistible.

• Ground beef: Go for lean ground beef for rich flavor without too much grease, forming the hearty foundation of the casserole.
• Yellow onion: Diced onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, adding depth and subtle sweetness to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a savory kick and aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dish.
• Diced tomatoes (undrained): These bring juiciness and a touch of acidity that balances the creamy and cheesy layers.
• Tomato paste: This thickens the sauce and deepens the tomato flavor, giving the casserole its signature richness.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and making each layer pop.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the sauce with classic, comforting notes.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little extra zip if you like a touch of heat in your Beef Lombardi Casserole.
• Egg noodles: Their tender texture soaks up all the saucy goodness and holds up beautifully in layers.
• Sour cream: Brings tang and silkiness to the creamy middle layer.
• Cream cheese (softened): Melts into the sour cream for a lusciously smooth, slightly tangy filling.
• Green onions: Chopped for freshness and a mild, oniony bite that brightens the creamy layer.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that seals in all the flavors beneath.
• Chopped parsley (optional): Adds color and a fresh pop to finish your Beef Lombardi Casserole presentation.

How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get things ready. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and fragrant. This creates a savory base that sets the stage for every other flavor in your Beef Lombardi Casserole.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Make the Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until it releases its aroma. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold. Simmer this mixture for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. It’s this robust sauce that infuses every bite with rich, tomatoey goodness.

Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles

While the meat sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Aim for al dente so they stay firm after baking. Once done, drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your casserole layers.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix until smooth and creamy. This tangy, luscious layer is what makes Beef Lombardi Casserole so memorable—it melts into the noodles and adds a decadent twist to every forkful.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer half of the cooked noodles in the bottom, then spread half of the cream cheese mixture over them. Spoon over half of the meat sauce, spreading it evenly. Repeat with the remaining noodles, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. This layering ensures every bite has a bit of everything—creamy, saucy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the layers can settle and slice cleanly. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the finishing touch that makes your Beef Lombardi Casserole look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole

Garnishes

A dusting of chopped fresh parsley is a classic garnish, adding fresh color and a burst of brightness. For a twist, try a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a light grind of black pepper right before serving—these little touches make your Beef Lombardi Casserole extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette, or with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For a more indulgent meal, add garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up all those delicious sauces hiding between the layers.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style comfort, serve Beef Lombardi Casserole straight from the baking dish at the center of your table. Hosting a party? Portion it into individual ramekins before baking for personalized servings. You can even use mini casserole dishes for a fun, bistro-inspired presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef Lombardi Casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. The flavors intensify as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar! To freeze, assemble the casserole completely but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Alternatively, freeze leftover baked portions in individual containers for quick, satisfying meals.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Individual servings can be microwaved in a pinch—just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts until piping hot. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or parsley after reheating to restore that just-baked look and taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can swap them for penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook any substitute pasta al dente to keep the texture spot-on.

Is there a way to lighten up Beef Lombardi Casserole?

Yes! You can use light sour cream, reduced-fat cream cheese, and part-skim cheddar to cut down on fat and calories. Lean ground turkey or chicken also works beautifully in place of beef for a lighter version.

Can I make Beef Lombardi Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven cold from the fridge.

What’s the best way to add extra veggies?

Feel free to sauté chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the beef and onions for a veggie boost. You can also stir in a handful of spinach or kale into the meat sauce—the casserole is super flexible and welcomes extra nutrition.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Beef Lombardi Casserole is a fantastic option for feeding a group. Simply double all ingredients and use two baking dishes, or one very large pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is hot and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that checks every comfort food box, Beef Lombardi Casserole is your answer. It’s creamy, hearty, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try soon—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and it may just become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting American layered pasta bake that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and tender egg noodles into a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. This casserole features a rich tomato sauce, a blend of sour cream and cream cheese, and a sharp cheddar topping baked to bubbly perfection.

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Ingredients

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Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta

• 8 oz egg noodles

Creamy Mixture

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Topping

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to enhance the flavor. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, meaning they should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the noodles well to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
3. Mix the Creamy Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, providing a rich contrast to the savory meat sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Begin layering with half of the cooked egg noodles spread out evenly on the bottom. Next, spoon and spread half of the creamy sour cream mixture evenly over the noodles. Follow by layering half of the meat sauce over the cream layer. Repeat these layers—remaining noodles, remaining cream mixture, and remaining meat sauce—to build the casserole evenly. Finally, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake the Casserole: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until it is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and started to brown slightly. After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
6. Serve and Garnish: Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm as a comforting main course perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Notes

• This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake for convenience.
• It freezes well; cover tightly and thaw before reheating.
• For a lighter version, substitute light sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
• Feel free to omit the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Use fresh parsley garnish to enhance both color and aroma when serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg