If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Beef Lombardi Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of richly seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, and creamy layers of sour cream and cottage cheese, all baked to gooey, cheesy perfection. This dish perfectly balances comforting textures and vibrant flavors, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Beef Lombardi Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect comfort food. Each one plays an essential role, from the savory ground beef adding hearty richness to the sharpness of cheddar cheese that tops it all off with melty goodness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that gives this dish its meaty base and satisfying texture.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings juiciness and acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing and melding all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that complements both meat and cheese beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little kick to brighten the dish.
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles: Tender and perfect for soaking up all the creamy and meaty layers.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess that lightens the casserole.
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese: Adds a mild creaminess and a lovely contrast in texture.
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Freshness and a mild onion bite that livens up each spoonful.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, golden finish that makes this dish irresistible.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef alongside the chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion softens, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the backbone of deep, savory flavor. Add the minced garlic last and cook just 30 seconds to release its fragrant aroma without burning it.
Step 2: Create the Rich Tomato Sauce
Next, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato paste, which will give your sauce both moisture and concentrated tomato intensity. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors get cozy and meld into a delicious sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
While your sauce simmers, whisk together the sour cream, cottage cheese, and sliced green onions in a bowl. This creamy mixture adds an unexpected silkiness and freshness that contrasts perfectly with the robust meaty sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start layering your masterpiece by placing half of the cooked egg noodles on the bottom. Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the noodles, then add half of the meat sauce on top. Repeat these layers to use up all your ingredients.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that iconic golden finish. Bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbling and the cheese has melted into a glorious, mouthwatering crust. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow all the layers to set nicely.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh burst and a sprinkle of color, add more sliced green onions or even some chopped fresh parsley right before serving. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper can also elevate the flavors beautifully at the table.
Side Dishes
This Beef Lombardi Recipe stands tall as a hearty main, so I love pairing it with crisp green salads, perhaps a simple romaine with a lemon vinaigrette, or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli to add a nice fresh crunch. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also a wonderful addition to mop up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To make an impression, spoon this casserole into individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings. You can also sprinkle extra herbs or even a little paprika on top for a pop of flavor and color. For a fun family dinner, serve it in a large rustic casserole dish right from the oven and watch everyone dive in enthusiastically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Beef Lombardi Recipe keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly with foil or airtight containers. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save time on busy nights, this dish freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, and you’ll have a fresh-from-the-oven comfort meal in no time.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a few extra minutes can help revive the cheese’s gooey texture and recombine those flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce beautifully, other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells work wonderfully in the Beef Lombardi Recipe. Just be sure to cook them al dente to avoid mushiness when baking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Beef Lombardi Recipe can be frozen before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before baking for best results.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the classic Beef Lombardi Recipe hinges on ground beef for its signature flavor, you can swap the meat for plant-based ground alternatives or use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar cheese provides that sharp, melty finish that’s classic here, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavors and textures. Each brings its own delicious character.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish. If you prefer less heat, you can omit them entirely or adjust the amount to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about diving into a homemade casserole like this Beef Lombardi Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests. With its rich layers, cheesy goodness, and hearty beef, it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. So grab those ingredients and dive in—you’ll be thrilled with every warm, delicious bite!
Print
Beef Lombardi Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Beef Lombardi is a comforting American cheesy pasta casserole featuring layers of egg noodles, a flavorful ground beef and tomato sauce, creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a convenient freezer meal, this dish combines savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the meat sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and sliced green onions evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles, then half of the sour cream mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers for a second time.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking to save time on serving day.
- Swap out cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra vegetables and texture.
