Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that blends rich beefy flavors with creamy noodles and a topping of melted cheese. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner. The combination of seasoned beef, tangy tomatoes, and soft noodles, all topped with a cheesy golden crust, makes this casserole a favorite comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, and with a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
The casserole comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection in the oven. The layers of seasoned beef sauce, creamy noodles, and cheese offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s also a great make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with ground beef, tomatoes, and noodles, this casserole is a filling and flavorful meal.
• Cheesy Goodness: With a triple-cheese topping of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella, it’s hard to resist the gooey, golden-brown crust.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or reheating for busy nights.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juice)
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz, with juice)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
• 1 package medium egg noodles (6 oz)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Cook the Beef:
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
• Stir the diced tomatoes with juice, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies with juice, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and tomato paste into the cooked ground beef. Mix everything together until well combined.
• Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly as the flavors meld together.
Cook the Noodles:
• While the meat sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Noodle Layer:
• Add the sour cream to the hot noodles and stir until the noodles are evenly coated with the sour cream.
Assemble the Casserole:
• Spread the sour cream-coated noodles evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Spoon the meat sauce over the noodles, spreading it out with a spatula to ensure it covers the noodles evenly.
Add the Cheese Topping:
• In a small bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the meat sauce.
Bake the Casserole:
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and turn golden brown on top.
Serve:
• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve hot with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Beef Lombardi Casserole freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until hot.
Tips:
• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Spice It Up: For a spicier version, add extra Rotel or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce.
• Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to mix up the cheese topping with other varieties like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor profile.
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory. It’s a comforting dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds, whether you’re serving it for a family meal or saving some for easy weekday leftovers.
