Beef Lombardi Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of seasoned beef, creamy pasta, cheese, and a tangy tomato sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. It's a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a hearty, home-cooked meal. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to fit your tastes and dietary preferences. Keep reading to get all the delicious details on how to make the best Beef Lombardi Casserole!
What is Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a layered baked dish with a Tex-Mex flair, featuring ground beef, onions, tomatoes, pasta, cheese, and sour cream. It's named after Vince Lombardi, the legendary football coach, though the connection between the dish and Lombardi himself isn't clear. Regardless of its origin, this casserole is known for being delicious, filling, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients List for Beef Lombardi Casserole
Here are the key ingredients you'll need to make a delicious Beef Lombardi Casserole. For best results, ensure that you have all the ingredients on hand before starting the recipe.
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef: Lean or regular ground beef works well, but make sure to drain the fat if using regular.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and flavor to the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For added depth of flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds moisture and tanginess to the beef mixture.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Intensifies the rich tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: For a little kick.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season the beef layer.
For the Pasta Layer:
- 8 oz egg noodles or any other pasta: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use penne, macaroni, or rotini.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess to the pasta.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Provides richness and a bit of tang.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory umami flavor.
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melted cheese on top makes this casserole irresistibly gooey.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Beef Lombardi Casserole is how flexible it can be. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground turkey or chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Greek yogurt: Swap out sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter and protein-packed alternative.
- Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein or crumbled tofu. Add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to bulk up the dish.
- Spicier version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Beef Lombardi Casserole is easier than you might think! Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and perfectly baked dish.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Pasta Layer
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the noodles are coated evenly with the creamy mixture.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, spread half of the beef mixture on top of the pasta layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and beef mixtures.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, add sliced green onions for extra flavor and color.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Cook Beef Lombardi Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick overview of the key steps for cooking Beef Lombardi Casserole:
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling your pasta of choice until al dente.
- Prepare the beef mixture: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Mix the creamy pasta layer: Combine cooked pasta with sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan for a rich, creamy base.
- Layer the casserole: Alternating layers of the creamy pasta and savory beef ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Top with cheese: Cover the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible, gooey topping.
- Bake to perfection: Bake until everything is hot and bubbly, with a golden-brown cheese topping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this dish is easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some tips to avoid them:
- Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy after baking.
- Not draining the beef: Failing to drain excess fat from the beef can make the casserole greasy.
- Skipping the seasoning: Be sure to season each layer well. The pasta and beef need salt and pepper for the flavors to really shine.
- Not allowing it to rest: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle and the cheese to set slightly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t elevate its presentation! Here are some ways to serve and present it with style:
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Family-style: Serve directly from the casserole dish to keep things casual and comforting. Place it in the center of the table so everyone can dig in.
- Plated: For a more refined presentation, portion out individual servings and garnish each plate with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Sides: Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Garnish with herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add color and a burst of freshness.
- Layer contrast: When serving, try to keep the layers distinct to showcase the pasta, beef, and cheesy topping.
- Use colorful sides: Serving with bright vegetables or a vibrant salad adds visual appeal and balances out the richness of the casserole.
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Beef Lombardi Casserole turns out perfect every time:
- Make ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
- Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a large crowd, simply double the ingredients and bake in two pans. This also works well for meal prepping or freezing leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can assemble it the day before, refrigerate, and bake it when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Beef Lombardi Casserole?
A: Yes! It freezes well. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Definitely! Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
Conclusion
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. With layers of creamy pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese, it’s no wonder this casserole is a favorite in many households. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don't forget to experiment with the variations and tips provided to make it your own. Give it a try today and savor every delicious bite!
PrintBeef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a rich, cheesy dish that blends ground beef, noodles, and a tomato-based sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is a family favorite due to its simple ingredients and big flavor. Keywords: Beef Lombardi Casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef recipes, easy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion until cooked through.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix cooked egg noodles with sour cream, then spread into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Pour the beef mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Can be prepped ahead and baked the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
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