Description
Make the best Beef Lombardi Casserole with layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and pasta. A comforting, easy, and family-friendly meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Pasta Layer:
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles (or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess grease and add diced onions and minced garlic.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare the Pasta Layer
- In a bowl, mix cooked egg noodles, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the meat mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- If using, sprinkle crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs over the cheese for a crispy topping.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use Lean Ground Beef – Reduces excess grease for a cleaner dish.
- Make it Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap the Pasta – Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free noodles, or even zucchini noodles.
- Extra Cheesy? – Add an extra 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese for more gooeyness.
- Let it Rest – Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes helps the layers set.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes