If you’re craving comfort food at its finest, Beef Lombardi Casserole delivers in every cheesy, deeply savory bite. Between the tender egg noodles, the richly seasoned beef and tomato sauce, and that decadent layer of cream cheese and sour cream, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this classic baked dish. Beef Lombardi Casserole is one of those family favorites that brings everyone to the table and makes seconds nearly inevitable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef Lombardi Casserole comes together with a handful of staple ingredients—nothing fancy, but every single one brings something important to the party! The combination of creamy, cheesy, beefy, and herb flavors means each component deserves its place.
- Ground Beef (1 1/2 pounds): Opt for 80/20 beef for rich flavor without excessive grease.
- Medium Onion, Chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to your beef base.
- Garlic, Minced (2 cloves): Essential for a kick of classic Italian flavor that melds with the tomato sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes (14.5-ounce can): Adds juicy pieces and a touch of tang—choose fire-roasted for extra flavor.
- Tomato Paste (6-ounce can): Thickens and intensifies the tomato richness in your sauce.
- Tomato Sauce (8-ounce can): Brings it all together with a velvety smooth texture.
- Dried Basil (1 tsp): Gives that aromatic, slightly sweet herbal note that ties everything together.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Essential for its bold, savory, Mediterranean flair.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Perks up all the flavors—taste and adjust if you like it more robust.
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds just a bit of heat and depth.
- Wide Egg Noodles (8 ounces): Perfectly soft and tender, they soak up all that saucy goodness.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds tang and luxurious creaminess to your casserole layers.
- Cream Cheese, Softened (8 ounces): Gives the filling its irresistible creamy richness.
- Green Onions, Chopped (1/2 cup): A burst of fresh, mild onion flavor throughout the creamy layer.
- Cheddar Cheese, Shredded (2 cups): Sharp, melty, and golden—absolutely essential for that perfect bubbly crust.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Start things off by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef and chopped onion together, breaking the beef apart until there’s no pink left and the onion is soft and fragrant. Take a second to savor that sizzle! Drain off any extra fat, then toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute—garlic burns fast, so give it a good stir.
Step 2: Create the Tomato and Herb Sauce
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently on the stove for 10 to 15 minutes. The layers of tomato meld with the herbs, turning into a thick, deeply flavorful sauce that will be the backbone of your Beef Lombardi Casserole.
Step 3: Boil the Noodles
While your sauce is simmering, cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente—don’t overcook! Drain them well. These noodles will finish cooking in the oven, so a little bite is perfect.
Step 4: Mix Up the Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Mix until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and flecked with green. This layer adds an irresistible tang and a rich, velvety texture to your Beef Lombardi Casserole.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and get ready to build those delicious layers. Start with half the noodles, followed by half the beef and tomato mixture, and then dollop on half of the cream cheese layer. Repeat the process with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and creamy layer. It doesn’t have to look perfect—just tuck in those creamy pockets all around.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the whole top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover loosely with foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbly and turning golden at the edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly and the casserole should look irresistible!
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, consider scattering some extra chopped green onions or a bit of chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and freshness. If you like a little kick, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes over individual servings is delicious, too!
Side Dishes
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a meal in itself, but a simple leafy green salad or steamed green beans add a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the rich, hearty layers. Garlic bread or warm rolls are always welcome for swiping up those last cheesy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to make weeknight dinner extra special, scoop the casserole into individual oven-safe ramekins before baking for cute, personalized portions. Or, try finishing the top with a mix of cheddar and pepper jack for a two-cheese twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Just cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Beef Lombardi Casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days and the flavors get even better as they blend together overnight.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. Beef Lombardi Casserole freezes beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole, covered, in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, individual portions can go into the microwave—just heat in short bursts and fluff with a fork so it stays moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a popular swap and works really well in this recipe. Just keep in mind you may want to add a splash of olive oil for a little extra richness, since turkey is leaner than beef.
Is there a way to make Beef Lombardi Casserole spicier?
You can easily turn up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or swapping some of the cheddar for spicy pepper jack cheese. A dash of hot sauce in the beef mixture is fun, too!
Can I assemble Beef Lombardi Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, one of the best things about Beef Lombardi Casserole is how well it works as a make-ahead dish! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven chilled.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
Wide egg noodles are classic, but you can also use rotini, penne, or any sturdy pasta you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture after baking.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning on top?
Keep the casserole covered with foil for the first part of baking, then remove the foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes. This method melts and bubbles the cheese perfectly without burning it.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig into this Beef Lombardi Casserole and experience all that creamy, hearty, cheesy goodness for yourself. Whether you whip it up for a potluck, a casual family night, or simply to satisfy a cozy craving, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Give it a try and watch smiles grow around your table!
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a delicious and comforting layered casserole dish that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender egg noodles, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Noodle and Cheese Layers:
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Cook Noodles: Cook egg noodles; drain.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Mix sour cream, cream cheese, and green onions.
- Layer: In a baking dish, layer noodles, beef mixture, and cheese mixture. Repeat layers. Top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese is bubbly and browned.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or substitute pepper jack for part of the cheddar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
