Beef Lombardi Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, family-favorite casserole, the Beef Lombardi Recipe is your answer to weeknight wonder. Bubbly, melty cheese meets layers of tender egg noodles, tangy-sweet beefy sauce, and a dreamy sour cream and cream cheese blend. This comforting classic brings together simple staples in a way that always draws a crowd around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or inviting friends for a casual gathering, the Beef Lombardi Recipe delivers the kind of satisfying flavors and textures that invite second helpings (and enthusiastic recipe requests!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on simple, straightforward ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building up the irresistible taste, texture, and color. Don’t underestimate the magic of combining ordinary staples in just the right way—the Beef Lombardi Recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Ground beef (2 pounds): Choose lean ground beef for rich flavor without too much grease; browning it creates the base for all those savory layers.
- Large onion, diced: This adds subtle sweetness and a mellow, aromatic lift to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): No casserole is complete without the punchy, irresistible aroma of fresh garlic.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): These give the sauce its juicy texture and a pop of robust tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste (6 oz): Adds deep tomato richness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz): The secret to a luscious, smooth red sauce that coats every noodle.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a hint balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A simple blend that infuses the dish with herby warmth—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for brightening up all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a little gentle heat and depth.
- Egg noodles (8 oz): Wide and tender, these noodles soak up layers of sauce and cheese for the perfect bite.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a luscious tang and creamy richness to the casserole’s middle layer.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Mixed with sour cream, it adds a dreamy, cheesy, velvety contrast to the zesty beef sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melty and golden topping that makes every slice irresistible.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): This fresh green finish wakes up all those comforting flavors and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Skillet
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your biggest, sturdiest skillet and set it over medium heat. This will help you get an even browning on the ground beef, the foundation for the whole casserole. A quick tip: if you like a little extra flavor, let the beef get a bit of golden crisp at the edges.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Use a sturdy spatula to break the beef up as it cooks, making sure you end up with small crumbles. Sauté for about 7 minutes, until the meat loses its pink color and the onion turns tender and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat—keeping the casserole from turning greasy is key to the perfect Beef Lombardi Recipe.
Step 3: Build the Savory Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute. Next, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld into a rich, savory sauce that truly sets this dish apart.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. The key is to stop at just-tender—they’ll continue to soften in the oven. Drain them well so they don’t add extra moisture to your casserole layers.
Step 5: Blend the Creamy Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir (or beat with a hand mixer for extra smoothness) until the mixture is fully combined with no lumps. This creamy blend is one of the Beef Lombardi Recipe’s signature elements—it melts into the noodles, creating pockets of cheesy, tangy goodness.
Step 6: Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy clean-up. Layer in half the noodles first, then spread half the creamy mixture on top, followed by half the beef sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining beef sauce on top. Finish the assembly by showering the cheddar cheese over everything for that signature gooey top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your assembled Beef Lombardi Recipe into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges look beautifully golden. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is an added bonus! Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley across the top to add a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Recipe
Garnishes
Add a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right after baking—a simple garnish that gives the Beef Lombardi Recipe a lively, herbal finish. If you want even more flair, try finely sliced green onions, a dusting of paprika, or a few sliced black olives for a savory twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty and filling, but it loves a little company. Pair your Beef Lombardi Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or garlic-roasted green beans. For a true comfort meal, serve some warm, crusty bread on the side to mop up every saucy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or potluck, consider layering the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Or, bake and portion out squares, then stack them artfully with a salad garnish for a plated, bistro-style experience. You can even cut the casserole into smaller bites and serve them as an appetizer at a casual gathering—there are so many fun ways to show off your Beef Lombardi Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before sealing in an airtight container. The flavors only deepen overnight, so your Beef Lombardi Recipe will be delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s a fantastic option for weekday lunches or a quick heat-and-eat dinner.
Freezing
If you want to assemble the casserole ahead or save leftovers for later, Beef Lombardi Recipe freezes brilliantly. Wrap the unbaked, fully assembled casserole tightly with foil (and plastic wrap for extra security). Freeze for up to 3 months—just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your casserole with foil and bake at 325°F until heated through (about 20-25 minutes for a full pan or 5-10 minutes for individual portions). For a microwave-friendly option, transfer a slice to a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts for best results.
FAQs
Can I make Beef Lombardi Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can fully assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready, bake it as directed—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the best beef to use?
Look for lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. Ground sirloin or 85/15 blends work beautifully, giving your Beef Lombardi Recipe a rich, meaty base without too much excess fat.
Can I substitute the noodles?
While egg noodles are classic, you can use any wide, sturdy pasta you enjoy—think rotini, penne, or even broken lasagna sheets. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and avoid overcooking, since they’ll bake again in the casserole.
Is there a way to lighten up the dish?
Certainly! You can swap in light sour cream and reduced-fat cream cheese, and use a bit less cheddar if you’d like. For an extra boost of veggies, try adding spinach or zucchini layers between noodles and sauce.
How spicy is Beef Lombardi Recipe?
By default, it’s comfort food with mild flavors. However, you can easily dial up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or even diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicier twist.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Lombardi Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again—whether you’re gathering with family or needing a delicious solution for busy nights. It’s easy, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Give this comforting classic a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your top-requested recipes, too!
Print
Beef Lombardi Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Beef Lombardi is a hearty and comforting casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender egg noodles, all baked to perfection. This delicious dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven and Prepare Beef Mixture: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned. Add garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook Noodles and Prepare Cheese Mixture: Cook egg noodles; drain. Mix sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: In a baking dish, layer noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef sauce. Repeat layers and top with cheddar cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw before baking.
- For a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
