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
Scale
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
