Beef Lombardi Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, tangy tomatoes with chilies, and a creamy, cheesy topping that melts into the egg noodles. The dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any night when you crave a warm, filling meal that brings everyone together around the table. This casserole’s appeal lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity. The ingredients blend harmoniously, offering a rich, savory taste with a subtle kick from the tomatoes and chilies. Whether you’re planning for a busy weeknight or simply want a dish that can be made in advance, this casserole promises to deliver on flavor and comfort every time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes with chilies, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 package (12 ounces) egg noodles
- 1 1/4 cups sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and drained diced tomatoes with chilies. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- In a separate pot, boil water and cook egg noodles for 3 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of noodle water and drain the noodles.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of the reserved noodle water; whisk until smooth.
- Mix the partially cooked noodles and remaining noodle water back into the pot. Transfer the noodle mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 455 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The History and Appeal of Casseroles
The word “casserole” comes from the French term for “saucepan,” but over time, it’s come to describe a wide variety of dishes that are baked in a single dish. Casseroles gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century as a way to prepare nutritious, affordable meals for families with minimal effort. Today, casseroles remain beloved for their versatility and convenience, making them a staple in many households. What makes a casserole truly special is how it allows ingredients to meld together, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
The Beef Lombardi Casserole builds on this classic foundation with a few unique twists, drawing on Italian flavors while remaining true to the classic American casserole style. Its combination of lean ground beef, tomatoes, noodles, and a rich, creamy mix of cheeses makes it both indulgent and familiar. By including diced tomatoes with chilies, this recipe adds a subtle heat that balances the creaminess of the sour cream and cheese, bringing an extra layer of excitement to the dish.
Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi Casserole
The Beef Lombardi Casserole is designed to be a go-to for busy families and comfort-food lovers alike. Its simple preparation means that even novice cooks can whip up this dish with ease. Here are a few reasons why this casserole might just become a favorite in your household:
- Effortless Preparation: With a straightforward list of ingredients and an easy assembly process, this casserole doesn’t require hours of labor in the kitchen. Most of the cooking involves browning the beef, preparing the noodles, and combining the sauce. Once assembled, it’s the oven that does the rest of the work.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: One of the best parts about casseroles is their ability to be prepared ahead of time. The Beef Lombardi Casserole can be assembled a day before, then baked when you’re ready. It can also be frozen, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or for those nights when you need a quick, homemade dinner without extra fuss.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its hearty mix of beef, noodles, and cheese, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s family-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for gatherings or potlucks. The dish is rich, creamy, and filling, which makes it a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs: While this version features beef, it can easily be adapted to fit different dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, you can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. To make it vegetarian, substitute the meat with crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat alternative. And if gluten-free options are needed, simply replace the egg noodles with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- Versatile Ingredients: The ingredients in Beef Lombardi Casserole are familiar and accessible, yet they come together in a way that feels elevated. The combination of sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded Colby Jack cheese creates a velvety sauce that envelops the noodles and meat, while the diced tomatoes with chilies add a pop of flavor and mild heat. This recipe can be a great way to use up pantry staples like canned tomatoes and pasta while still providing a fresh, home-cooked feel.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Lombardi Casserole
To ensure your Beef Lombardi Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that can make all the difference:
- Select the Right Beef: Choose lean ground beef to maintain a rich flavor without excess grease. If you prefer a lighter taste, ground turkey is a suitable substitute. Ensure the beef is browned well for the best flavor development.
- Undercook the Noodles: Since the noodles will continue cooking in the oven, it’s best to slightly undercook them in boiling water. This way, they won’t turn mushy in the final dish, and they’ll better absorb the flavors from the beef and cheese mixture.
- Add a Little Heat: The tomatoes with chilies offer just a touch of heat, but if you’re a fan of spicier dishes, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. It’s an easy way to give the dish extra character and appeal to those who like a bit of spice.
- Consider Layering the Cheese: While the recipe calls for topping the casserole with Colby Jack cheese before baking, you can also add cheese in layers within the casserole for an extra gooey, cheesy experience. This way, every bite is infused with cheesy goodness.
- Make It a One-Pot Dish: For added convenience, you can prepare the beef mixture in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven and layer the noodles and cheese directly in the same pot. This saves you from having to transfer everything to a baking dish, cutting down on cleanup.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be complemented with a variety of side dishes. For a balanced plate, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The freshness of a salad can cut through the richness of the casserole, offering a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices make a great addition, as they allow you to scoop up any extra sauce on your plate.
For those seeking a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess, a simple side of pickled vegetables can work wonderfully, as can a bowl of tangy coleslaw. And if you’re hosting a dinner party, pair the casserole with a full-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the savory flavors.
Storage and Reheating
The Beef Lombardi Casserole is perfect for leftovers, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen in the fridge. To store, make sure to cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, where it will keep in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, divide the casserole into portions and freeze for up to two months.
When reheating, consider using the oven instead of the microwave to maintain the casserole’s texture. Simply cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, if using the microwave, reheat in short increments to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Variations and Adaptations
One of the joys of a dish like Beef Lombardi Casserole is that it’s highly adaptable. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea or lentil-based pasta options can add extra protein and work well in this dish.
- Different Cheese Options: While Colby Jack cheese offers a mild and creamy taste, you could try using mozzarella for a milder flavor, pepper jack for extra heat, or a mix of cheddar for a sharper taste. The choice of cheese can significantly alter the dish’s flavor profile, making it easy to adjust to your preference.
Conclusion:
The Beef Lombardi Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to relax, enjoy, and share in the comfort of a home-cooked dish. With its straightforward preparation, adaptable ingredients, and deeply satisfying flavors, this casserole has earned its place as a family favorite. Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and gatherings, it’s a versatile, delicious option that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, the Beef Lombardi Casserole is a dish that delivers, embodying the very best qualities of classic comfort food.
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Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, tangy tomatoes with chilies, and a creamy, cheesy topping that melts into the egg noodles. The dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any night when you crave a warm, filling meal that brings everyone together around the table. This casserole’s appeal lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity. The ingredients blend harmoniously, offering a rich, savory taste with a subtle kick from the tomatoes and chilies. Whether you’re planning for a busy weeknight or simply want a dish that can be made in advance, this casserole promises to deliver on flavor and comfort every time.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes with chilies, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 package (12 ounces) egg noodles
- 1 1/4 cups sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and drained diced tomatoes with chilies. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- In a separate pot, boil water and cook egg noodles for 3 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of noodle water and drain the noodles.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of the reserved noodle water; whisk until smooth.
- Mix the partially cooked noodles and remaining noodle water back into the pot. Transfer the noodle mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 455 kcal
