Beef Lombardi Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein-rich ground beef and filling egg noodles, this casserole is a complete meal in itself.

• Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheeses creates a rich and indulgent flavor.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different meats, cheeses, or added vegetables to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• ½ onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 4 tablespoons tomato paste

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 3 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

• ¼ teaspoon celery salt

• 1 (12-ounce) package egg noodles

• 1 ¼ cups sour cream

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and ground beef, cooking until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

4. Cook Noodles: While the beef mixture simmers, cook egg noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes (they will finish cooking in the oven). Reserve 2 cups of the noodle cooking water before draining.

5. Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and ½ cup of the reserved noodle water until smooth.

6. Combine Noodles and Creamy Mixture: Add the partially cooked noodles and remaining reserved noodle water to the creamy mixture, stirring to combine.

7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the noodle mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the beef mixture over the noodles.

8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.

9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and begins to brown slightly.

10. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of Colby Jack.

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.

• Spice Level: For a spicier kick, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

What is Beef Lombardi Casserole?

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a baked dish combining ground beef, tomatoes, egg noodles, and a creamy cheese mixture, resulting in a hearty and comforting meal.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with Beef Lombardi Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, you can use other short pasta like rotini or penne. Just be sure to cook them al dente.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, add chopped jalapeños, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the beef mixture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, offering a tangy flavor and added protein.

What type of cheese works best?

Colby Jack cheese melts well and offers a mild flavor, but you can also use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?

Ensure you don't overcook the noodles before baking, and consider adding a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to the creamy mixture to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. Its combination of savory beef, creamy noodles, and melted cheese makes it a comforting favorite that everyone will enjoy. With options to customize ingredients and make-ahead convenience, it's a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation.