Can I make Beef Lombardi Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply put it in the oven until heated through.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. When reheating, bake at 350°F until warmed through.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want a slightly tangier and healthier alternative to sour cream.

Beef Lombardi Casserole - Superb Recipe

Description

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed baked dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of tender pasta, savory beef, and creamy cheese, this comforting meal is easy to make and great for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the beef and aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Prepare the sauce: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, keeping them slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
Mix the creamy layer: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, creating a creamy and tangy filling.
Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the cooked pasta in the baking dish, followed by half of the beef sauce. Add a layer of the sour cream mixture, then repeat the layers. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese on top.
Bake until bubbly: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Let it rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if you prefer a lighter version.
Make it a veggie-loaded dish by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 65mg