Try This Cozy Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe Tonight

Comfort comes alive in this mouthwatering beef lombardi casserole that promises warmth with every delectable bite.

Pasta lovers will adore this classic Southern dish packed with rich, savory flavors.

Layers of tender beef, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles create a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary hug.

Each forkful tells a story of home-cooked goodness and traditional cooking magic.

Generations have cherished this simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that brings people together around the dinner table.

Midwest kitchens have perfected this recipe, making it a go-to dinner solution for busy families.

We promise this casserole will become your new favorite weeknight comfort food that everyone will request again and again.

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Insights

• Super simple to assemble with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Flexible recipe that welcomes personal touches like adding extra vegetables, switching up cheese types, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
• Guaranteed to impress both kids and adults with its rich, comforting flavors and classic casserole appeal that works for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that creates the comforting texture of the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy dairy components that add luxurious melting texture and tangy depth to the casserole.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a robust and slightly acidic base for the beef sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a foundational flavor profile for the beef sauce.
• Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that introduce complex and slightly spicy Mediterranean-inspired notes.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning and cooking agents that enhance overall taste and cooking process.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to control moisture and prevent excessive browning during the initial baking stage.

Stepwise Beef Lombardi Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Create Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and cook until it turns a rich brown color.

Drain off any extra fat.

Add onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions become soft and glassy.

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Oregano
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes

Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to dance together.

Season with salt and pepper to make the sauce sing.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Mixture

• Cooked pasta
• Ricotta cheese
• Half of the mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese

Mix these ingredients until they’re well acquainted.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Start layering by spreading half the pasta mixture on the bottom.

Top with half the beef sauce.

Repeat the layers, creating a delicious landscape of flavors.

Step 4: Add Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a golden blanket of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes.

This helps the layers settle and makes cutting easier.

Slice and serve this comforting meal that’s sure to make everyone at the table happy.

Pro Tips for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Opt for high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content to enhance the overall taste and juiciness of the casserole.
• Slightly undercook the pasta during initial boiling, as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy noodles and maintaining a perfect al dente consistency.
• Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, letting the cheese settle and create a more cohesive, creamy texture that's easier to slice and serve.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add depth and personalize the flavor profile to your taste preferences.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing the flavors to meld and making meal prep more convenient for busy days.

Storing and Reheating Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

Pairings for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich beef and tomato flavors, enhancing the casserole's hearty profile.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and add refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious beef sauce, providing a crunchy texture and additional savory notes to the meal.
• Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten the dish, adding a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that cuts through the casserole's heaviness.

Different Takes on Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Gluten-Free Beef Lombardi: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Beef Casserole: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free alternative packed with protein.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Is Beef Lombardi Casserole a traditional Italian dish?

The dish is inspired by Italian-American cuisine, combining classic pasta and meat sauce techniques with a hearty casserole style, but it’s not a traditional Italian recipe from Italy.

• Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork depending on your preference and dietary needs.

• What kind of pasta works best for this casserole?

Medium-sized pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal because they hold the sauce well and create a perfect texture in the casserole. Avoid thin pasta like spaghetti or angel hair.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Beef Lombardi Casserole is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat portions throughout the week, making it a convenient and delicious make-ahead meal.

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Beef Lombardi casserole delivers rich Italian-American flavors in one satisfying dish. Layers of tender pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese create a perfect weeknight dinner solution you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Components:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) diced tomatoes

Pasta and Seasoning:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or ziti)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Create a robust beef sauce by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat, and incorporating aromatic onions and garlic until softened.
2. Enhance the sauce with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a blend of oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, developing deep flavors and seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a creamy pasta base by combining cooked pasta with ricotta, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Assemble the casserole in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by layering pasta mixture and beef sauce, creating two distinct layers.
5. Generously top the final layer with remaining mozzarella cheese for a golden, melted finish.
6. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Enhance pasta texture by slightly undercooking before mixing with cheese to prevent mushiness during baking.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild tomato sauce for sensitive palates.
• Make ahead and freeze the assembled casserole, covering tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for convenient meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg