Beef Lombardi Casserole

A Cheesy, Meaty, and Satisfying Baked Casserole

If you love comfort food, you’re going to fall in love with Beef Lombardi Casserole. This rich, meaty, and cheesy dish is packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or potlucks. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese layers, tender pasta, and a crispy baked topping makes it an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

This dish is a Southern favorite, often served as a hearty dinner for families. It combines elements of lasagna, baked ziti, and a classic beef casserole, but with a unique twist that makes it stand out. Beef Lombardi Casserole is easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and freezes beautifully, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy schedules.

Ingredients

For the Beef Sauce:

500g ground beef
1 small onion (100g), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
400g canned diced tomatoes
250g tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Pasta Layer:

250g egg noodles or penne pasta
1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheese Mixture:

200g sour cream
150g cream cheese, softened
100g shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Topping:

100g shredded mozzarella cheese
50g Parmesan cheese
50g breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the egg noodles or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become soft and translucent.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, basil, and Worcestershire sauce.
Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta on the bottom.
Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
Add half of the beef sauce on top of the cheese mixture.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and beef sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using) evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 6 Servings)

Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fats: 27g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Beef Lombardi Casserole

✨ Use high-quality cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, making your casserole extra creamy.

✨ Customize the flavor – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.

✨ Make it ahead – This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.

✨ Freezer-friendly – To freeze, prepare the casserole but do not bake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 45–50 minutes.

✨ Add veggies for a healthier twist – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef sauce for an extra nutritional boost.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Hearty & Comforting – A rich combination of beef, pasta, and cheese that satisfies every craving.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an effortless meal.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Perfect for making ahead and reheating later.
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the seasonings and add your favorite mix-ins to make it your own!