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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble the casserole in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by layering pasta mixture and beef sauce, creating two distinct layers.
- Generously top the final layer with remaining mozzarella cheese for a golden, melted finish.
- 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.
- 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