Description
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring a savory ground beef and tomato sauce layered with creamy cheeses and tender egg noodles. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with rich flavors topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Tomato Sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to develop the flavors fully.
- Cook Noodles: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to ensure the noodles don’t overcook.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese, mixing well to create a smooth, creamy layer for the casserole.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles evenly in the dish. Spread the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then add the remaining noodles on top.
- Add the Beef: Pour the prepared beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the layered noodles and cheese mixture, ensuring it covers the surface well.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole to create a rich, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a creamier texture, add an extra ½ cup of sour cream to the cheese mixture.
- Be sure to drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve.
