Description
Beef Lombardi is a hearty and comforting casserole combining seasoned ground beef, savory tomato sauce, cheesy layers, and tender egg noodles, baked to bubbly perfection. This American classic is ideal for a family dinner, delivering rich flavors and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
Dairy and Toppings
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to develop deep flavors.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and sliced green onions. Mix well for a creamy layer in the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked egg noodles evenly on the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layering with remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef sauce.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor and fewer calories.
- Ricotta cheese can replace cottage cheese if preferred for a smoother texture.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble ahead of time and bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
