If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines the hearty richness of ground beef with comforting, creamy pasta, then you’ll absolutely want to dive into this Beef Lombardi Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s a luscious, cheesy casserole that blends tender egg noodles with a savory beef tomato sauce, all tied together by a dreamy cream cheese and sour cream mixture. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, as it delivers big on flavor while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Plus, it’s that kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again because it feels like a warm, delicious hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a pivotal role in creating the flavors and textures that make this dish so special. From the robust spices that give the sauce its signature bite to the creamy elements that bring it all together, every item matters.
- Olive oil: Warming this upfront creates the perfect base for browning the beef and sautéing aromatics.
- Ground beef: It’s the hearty, savory core that makes this pasta bake truly satisfying.
- Chopped onion: Adds a sweet-savory depth as it softens in the pan.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic charm.
- Diced tomatoes: Bring a fresh, tangy tang that balances the richness.
- Tomato sauce: Ensures a smooth, luscious base for the beef mixture.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate every layer of flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Offers a fragrant blend of herbs, lending an Italian-inspired flair.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who like a little heat.
- Egg noodles: Their wide, tender texture holds up beautifully to baking and sauce absorption.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that livens up the bake.
- Cream cheese (softened): Helps create that irresistibly rich, velvety texture.
- Chopped green onions: Brighten the cream mixture with a delicate onion bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a sharp, gooey blanket on top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings that perfect melt and stretchiness everyone loves.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, herby garnish that adds lovely color and aroma.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Savory Beef Mixture
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up so it cooks evenly and develops rich flavor. Once the meat is nearly done, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Then, stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and if you want, some crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle spice. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to marry the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
While your beef sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender but firm. Drain them thoroughly to avoid sogginess later on. These noodles act as the perfect vehicle, soaking up the creamy sauce and cheese in the bake.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir them until completely smooth and well incorporated. This luscious mixture balances the tangy tomato sauce with silky richness, making each bite decadent and satisfying.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Start with a layer of half the cooked egg noodles, then spread half the cream cheese mixture over them. Spoon half the savory beef sauce atop that, layering thoughtfully to ensure every forkful hits all the best components. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on the very top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Beef Lombardi Pasta Bake Recipe uncovered in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden cheese crust that signals it’s ready. Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven—this helps the layers settle and makes serving a dream.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice to sprinkle over your pasta bake before serving. It adds a pop of green color and a subtle herbaceous note that lightens the rich dish beautifully. You could also offer some extra chopped green onions or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for guests who love more heat.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides. A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette balances the richness, while roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add a nice crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also work perfectly if you want to make the meal an all-out comfort-food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the beef Lombardi straight from the baking dish with big spoons and plenty of napkins. If you want to impress guests, portion the pasta bake into individual oven-safe ramekins and sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a golden personal casserole. It turns an everyday dish into a charming presentation that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Beef Lombardi Pasta Bake Recipe has cooled completely, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness all over again.
Freezing
This dish is remarkably freezer-friendly. You can assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until it’s piping hot throughout. Cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning if you prefer, uncovering for the last few minutes to crisp the top. The flavors will taste just as vibrant as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Beef Lombardi Pasta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are ideal for texture, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just keep in mind cooking times and how well the pasta holds sauce when baked.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives, and using non-dairy cheese, you can adapt the recipe. Just be aware that the texture and flavor will vary slightly from the original.
Can ground turkey be used instead of ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey is a lighter option that still provides protein and works well with the spices and sauce. Cooking time remains similar, just ensure it’s fully browned.
How spicy is the recipe if I add the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes introduce a gentle heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming them. You can adjust the amount or omit them completely to suit your taste.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheating slowly in the oven with a covered dish retains moisture better than the microwave. Adding a splash of milk or broth before reheating can also help keep the bake creamy and luscious.
Final Thoughts
My dear friends, you really can’t go wrong with this Beef Lombardi Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with warm smiles and full plates. The way the beef, creamy layers, and cheese meld together is just pure comfort food magic. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved classic in your meal rotation too.
Print
Beef Lombardi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Beef Lombardi is a comforting American baked casserole featuring layers of savory ground beef tomato sauce, creamy sour cream and cream cheese mixture, tender egg noodles, and a melty cheddar and mozzarella cheese topping. This hearty dish is perfect for an easy family dinner and can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta & Cream Mixture
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Cheese Topping & Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Make Cream Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions; mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles on the bottom, spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the noodles, and then add half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layering with the remaining noodles, cream mixture, and meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the layered casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted and lightly browned.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- This dish freezes well—assemble ahead and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey.
- Using wide egg noodles gives the best texture in this casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
