Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a cozy, cheesy bake combining savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a rich blend of cheeses. This comforting American classic is perfect for family dinners, featuring a flavorful tomato and beef sauce layered with creamy cottage cheese and sharp cheddar, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Noodle and Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more to release its fragrance.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season and Simmer: Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–7 minutes so flavors meld together.
- Prepare Noodle Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cooked egg noodles with sour cream, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to create a creamy cheesy base.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the noodle mixture evenly on the bottom, then layer half of the beef mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and beef. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes until it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- This casserole freezes well—assemble ahead and freeze before baking. To bake from frozen, add an extra 20–30 minutes and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
- For a different flavor profile, swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or a cheese blend.
