This Beef Lombardi is a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner! It’s a classic dish with layers of ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and plenty of cheese. Here’s how to make it:
Beef Lombardi Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz wide egg noodles (cooked and drained)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Spread the noodle mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the beef and tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips:
- Add Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
This Beef Lombardi is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Let me know if you try it or need more recipe ideas! 😊🍝🧀