A Hearty, Cheesy, and Flavorful Casserole Loaded with Beef, Pasta, and a Trio of Cheeses
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy sour cream layer, it’s then topped with a flavorful meat sauce and a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. The result? A bubbly, cheesy casserole that’s bursting with flavor in every bite! Serve it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
I love making this casserole because it’s easy to put together and always a hit with everyone at the table. The layers of pasta, creamy sour cream, and cheesy meat sauce make it hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish—just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy! Ready to create a delicious dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite? Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick to Make: Simple steps like browning the beef and boiling the pasta make this casserole come together in no time.
- Layers of Flavor: From the seasoned beef sauce to the creamy sour cream pasta layer, every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting, cheesy goodness of this casserole.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready, or freeze for later!
Key Ingredients
For the Beef Sauce:
- Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole, adding rich, savory flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes and Rotel: Provides a juicy, tangy element and a hint of heat from the green chilies.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Spices and Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder gives the beef sauce extra flavor.
For the Pasta Layer:
- Medium Egg Noodles: The perfect pasta choice for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy layer that balances out the savory beef.
For the Cheesy Topping:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick to the cheesy topping.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a stretchy, gooey topping that pulls everything together.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole
1. Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking the medium egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with 1 cup of sour cream. Stir until the noodles are evenly coated. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the meat sauce.
Pro Tip: Make sure the noodles are still warm when you mix in the sour cream. This helps the sour cream coat the noodles more evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
2. Make the Beef Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Add 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz), 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 can of tomato paste (6 oz) to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Pro Tip: If you like a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat!
3. Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the sour cream-coated noodles evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the creamy base layer of the casserole.
Next, spoon the meat sauce over the noodles, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Add the Cheesy Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the meat sauce.
Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy topping, you can add more mozzarella or even some shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Bake and Serve
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Tips for Success
- Drain the Beef Well: Make sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melting and flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the sauce before assembling the casserole and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or more Rotel.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is hearty and filling on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Green Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for added color and nutrients.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Let the cooked casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Variations and Modifications
- Add Vegetables: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Switch Up the Protein: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage in place of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Spicier Casserole: Use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With layers of tender pasta, savory beef sauce, and a gooey cheese topping, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to bring everyone back to the table!
Enjoy every delicious, cheesy bite! 🍝🧀
