Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that brings comfort and a burst of savory flavors to your table, the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender ground beef, creamy cheeses, zesty tomatoes, and perfectly cooked noodles in a way that feels like a big, delicious hug. Each bite delivers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that make it an ongoing family favorite and a perfect dish for gatherings or cozy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that come together to create a comforting and satisfying casserole. Every component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, moisture, and cheesy goodness.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the beef and onions to bring out rich, savory notes.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb.): The hearty protein base that’s perfectly seasoned and juicy.
- Chopped onion (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Salt and pepper (1 tsp each): Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Tomato paste (4 tbsp): Concentrated taste that deepens the tomato flavor without too much moisture.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Brings aromatic warmth to the dish.
- Ro-tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (3 cans, drained): Adds tangy tomatoes with a mild kick of green chilies to brighten the casserole.
- Wide egg noodles (12 oz.): The comforting, chewy noodle base that carries the sauce beautifully.
- Sour cream (1 1/4 cups): Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the casserole’s texture.
- Cream cheese (4 oz., softened): Ensures a luscious, rich texture throughout.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps thicken the creamy noodle mixture perfectly.
- Colby Jack cheese (2 to 2 1/2 cups): Melts into a golden, gooey topping that pulls everything together.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by setting your oven rack to the middle and preheating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and cleans up easily. These simple starting steps set the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Warm the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously, breaking up the beef until it’s cooked through and starting to brown, about 8 minutes. This slow cooking develops a rich, meaty base that is essential for this casserole.
Step 3: Add Tomato and Garlic
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until their fragrances fill your kitchen, then add the drained diced tomatoes and chilies. Simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. This step intensifies the tomato flavor while ensuring the mixture isn’t watery.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Meanwhile, boil 4 quarts of water in a large pot. Add the wide egg noodles and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often to keep them from sticking. Reserve 2 cups of the noodle water – this starchy liquid is the secret to making the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Noodle Sauce
In the same pot or a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of the reserved noodle water until smooth. Add in the noodles, the remaining 1 1/2 cups of noodle water, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. This creates a silky, thick sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the creamy noodle mixture in an even layer in your prepared baking dish. Then gently spoon the flavorful beef mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Finally, sprinkle the generous amount of Colby Jack cheese over the surface, promising that irresistible golden crust.
Step 7: Bake and Enjoy
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges bubble excitedly and the cheese topping spots golden brown. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving – this step makes sure every slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best things about the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe is how well it welcomes a handful of fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions right before serving for a burst of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
You can keep things simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts pair beautifully, adding texture and earthiness that complement the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of the casserole in ramekins to impress guests with perfect, personal-sized servings. Or top each serving with a fried egg for a decadent brunch option that transforms this casserole into a day-starter delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish holds up beautifully for up to 3 days, making it excellent for quick lunches or reheated dinners when time is tight.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe freezes really well. Portion it into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready for a comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it covered in a 350-degree oven until heated through. On busy days, reheating in the microwave also works—just cover the dish to keep moisture in and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While Colby Jack is traditional here for its melting quality and mild flavor, you can swap it out for cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack to customize your casserole’s flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely. Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or hearty cooked lentils, and keep the other ingredients the same for a similarly delicious texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What can I use if I don’t have Ro-tel tomatoes?
If Ro-tel tomatoes aren’t available, you can use diced canned tomatoes with a small can of diced green chilies mixed in. This keeps the flavorful, slightly spicy kick that the dish needs.
How spicy is the casserole?
The heat level is mild thanks to the green chilies in the Ro-tel tomatoes. If you want more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or jalapeño while cooking the beef mixture.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe means inviting a heartwarming, cheesy, delicious experience to your table. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and fills homes with irresistible aromas. I hope you give it a go and find it as comforting and satisfying as I do. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Beef Lombardi is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring wide egg noodles layered with a savory ground beef tomato mixture, creamy sour cream and cream cheese sauce, and topped with melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this recipe combines rich flavors and creamy textures in one satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 (10-ounce) cans Ro-tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pkg. (12 oz) wide egg noodles
- 1 1/4 cups sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
- Add Tomato Elements: Stir in tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and cook until most of the liquid evaporates, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the wide egg noodles and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes to achieve a tender but firm texture. Reserve 2 cups of the cooking water before draining the noodles.
- Make Creamy Sauce with Noodles: In the pot used for noodles or a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water until smooth. Stir in the drained noodles, remaining 1 1/2 cups of cooking water, and 3/4 teaspoon salt to combine thoroughly.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the creamy noodle mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked beef and tomato mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is spotty brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Colby Jack cheese on top depending on your preference for cheesiness.
- Draining the tomatoes helps prevent excess liquid and keeps the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Use wide egg noodles as specified for the best texture and layering effect.
- Letting the casserole cool slightly helps it set for easier serving.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
