Hey there, friend! I can’t wait to share this Amazing Beef Lombardi Casserole recipe with you! This dish holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those cozy meals that brings my family together around the dinner table. It’s not just tasty, but it also reminds me of my mom’s cooking. Whenever I make it, it feels like a warm hug, especially on those chilly nights when all you want is something hearty and comforting.
The best part? This casserole is filled with ground beef, noodles, and a delicious blend of tomato sauce and cheese that melts into gooey perfection. It’s packed with flavor and has that lovely bubbly top that everyone loves digging into. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! You can easily whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights, or even when you want to impress friends at a gathering.
If you enjoy this, you might also love my Cheesy Chili Mac recipe! It brings the same cozy vibes and is always a hit! Enjoy making this casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Amazing Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Hearty and filling with ground beef and creamy noodles
- Rich flavors from savory ingredients like diced tomatoes and spices
- Quick prep time makes it a weeknight dinner winner
- Melty, cheesy topping that’s irresistible
- One-pot meal that reduces clean-up time
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices
- Great leftovers—tastes even better the next day!
This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and its creamy texture keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Make Amazing Beef Lombardi Casserole
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a total crowd-pleaser! It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to whip up and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheesy casserole that brings everyone together?
What You’ll Need:
- Ground beef – 1 lb. I prefer using lean ground beef to keep it flavorful without too much grease.
- Onion – 1, finely chopped. A yellow or sweet onion works great for added sweetness.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is the best way to amp up the flavor!
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained. Look for brands like Hunt’s or Del Monte for good quality.
- Tomato sauce – 1 can (8 oz). A staple for that rich tomato flavor!
- Wide egg noodles – 2 cups. I love using fresh egg noodles if I can find them—they cook beautifully!
- Beef broth – 2 cups. You can’t go wrong with Swanson’s beef broth for its rich flavor!
- Dried oregano – 1 tsp. A must-have for that Italian touch!
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp. This blend takes the flavor to the next level.
- Salt and pepper – to taste. Always best to add to your preference!
- Sour cream – 1 cup. It adds creaminess and tang—totally essential!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 2 cups. I recommend whole milk mozzarella for that gooey goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup. Freshly grated is best if you can!
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish. It adds a beautiful pop of color!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm when your casserole is ready.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Add the wide egg noodles to the skillet and stir well to combine. Let the noodles cook for about 5 minutes to start softening.
- Remove from heat and gently stir in the sour cream until everything is blended smoothly.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving this delicious dish!
Enjoy your amazing Beef Lombardi Casserole! It’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure your substitute is cooked through before assembling the casserole.
What If I Don’t Have Wide Egg Noodles?
No problem! You can substitute wide egg noodles with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose; you may need to cook the noodles slightly longer or shorter before adding them to the casserole.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal!
