Beef Lombardi Casserole

Beef Lombardi Casserole – A hearty, comforting, and flavor-packed casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. This dish is the ultimate comfort food that’ll warm you from the inside out. Perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion when you need a crowd-pleaser, this casserole is a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi Casserole

Here’s why this casserole will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Rich and Hearty: With tender ground beef, melted cheese, and a savory tomato sauce, every bite of this casserole is comforting and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: A one-pan dish that’s simple to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of steps. It’s perfect for busy evenings or when you just want something easy yet delicious.
• Cheesy Goodness: If you’re a cheese lover, this casserole is for you. The gooey melted cheese is the perfect topping to the beefy, saucy layers of pasta.
• Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite veggies, different kinds of cheese, or even substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
• Feeds a Crowd: Whether it’s for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is a great choice to serve to a group, as it’s both filling and inexpensive.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this casserole so delicious:

• Ground Beef: The base of this dish, providing the savory and meaty flavor. You can use lean ground beef for a lighter version, or regular for more richness.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta choice for casseroles like this. It holds the sauce and beef mixture perfectly.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds a rich, tangy flavor to the casserole and makes the whole dish come together.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory undertone to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds depth and enhances the flavors of the meat and sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: The perfect melty, gooey cheese that holds the casserole together and adds richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Another cheese for extra gooeyness and that delicious stretchy melt.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to give the dish an Italian flair.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the dish to perfection.
• Parmesan Cheese: A little sprinkle on top adds a nice salty finish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to prepare this cheesy, meaty casserole:

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that golden, bubbly top.

Cook the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the beef mixture. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, saving the other half for topping. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.

Layer the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly across the top.

Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed hot and fresh, but it’s also great as leftovers!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450-500 calories (depending on serving size)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a few side dishes to balance out the richness:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm garlic bread for extra flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the rich casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli provide a light, nutritious contrast to the cheesy pasta.
• Pickles or Olives: A small bowl of tangy pickles or olives can provide a nice acidic bite to cut through the richness of the casserole.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes of baking time if cooking from the fridge.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well! After assembling it, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Customize the Meat: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in some diced green chilies.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of pasta?

A1: Yes, you can use any short pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the casserole.

Q2: Can I add more cheese to this recipe?

A2: Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add extra cheese in the layers or on top. A blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan is a great combination.

Q3: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

A3: Yes, simply swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?

A5: Yes! This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q6: Can I use jarred tomato sauce instead of canned?

A6: Yes, jarred tomato sauce will work just as well. Just make sure it’s your favorite variety for the best flavor.

Q7: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

A7: Yes, you can assemble the casserole in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Q8: How can I make this casserole spicier?

A8: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.

Q9: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

A9: Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or split it into two smaller dishes.

Q10: How do I reheat the casserole?

A10: To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.

Conclusion

Beef Lombardi Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines the best of pasta, cheese, and seasoned ground beef into a hearty dish everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together, this casserole is simple to make and always a hit. Serve it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that will please the whole family!

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