Savory Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: Hearty Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable beef Lombardi casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Rich, hearty layers of ground beef mingle with tender pasta and a creamy sauce that sings with flavor.

Melted cheese blankets the top, creating a golden, crispy crust that beckons you to dig in.

Southern kitchens have long treasured this classic dish for its simplicity and soul-warming qualities.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of meaty, cheesy goodness that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

This crowd-pleasing recipe brings warmth and joy to the table, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Prepare to fall in love with a casserole that turns an everyday meal into a memorable feast.

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Minimal Prep Magic: Create decadent treats with just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making this recipe perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these delightful chocolate peanut butter cups in minimal time, ensuring a speedy solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: Engage children in the cooking process with safe, straightforward steps that encourage hands-on participation and create fun family bonding moments.
• Portable Party Treat: Pack these chocolatey, crunchy cups for picnics, potlucks, or school lunches, offering a convenient and irresistible dessert that travels well and impresses everyone.

Ingredients For Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the casserole.

• Elbow Macaroni: Provides a classic pasta base that holds the sauce well.
• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: Brings a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds rich, tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish to the dish.

• Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

Step-By-Step Beef Lombardi Casserole Preparation

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Chopped onion
• Diced bell pepper
• Minced garlic

Cook until the veggies soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let everything simmer and get friendly for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Pasta Party

While the beef mixture bubbles, cook elbow macaroni according to package directions.

Drain the pasta and mix it into the beef sauce, creating a delectable combination.

Step 5: Layer and Prepare

Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Tips For Flavorful Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce greasiness and create a healthier casserole without compromising flavor.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect texture in the final dish.
• Sprinkle half the cheese mixture during assembly and reserve the rest for the final topping to create a more even, golden-brown cheese crust.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more depth in the casserole.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners easier to manage.

Creative Variations For Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Vegetarian Lombardi: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable marinara sauce and follow original recipe steps.
• Chicken Lombardi: Swap ground beef with ground chicken or diced chicken breast. Season with Italian herbs and cook until fully done before combining with pasta and sauce.
• Gluten-Free Lombardi: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice macaroni. Ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free and substitute regular pasta with alternative grain options.
• Spicy Mexican Lombardi: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern-style casserole. Top with chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Foods To Enjoy With Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's hearty profile.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole texture.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots with olive oil and herbs to introduce a colorful, nutritious side that enhances the meal's overall taste.

Storing Beef Lombardi Casserole Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stays good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for Beef Lombardi Casserole?

Ground beef, elbow macaroni, marinara sauce, onion, bell pepper, garlic, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and black pepper are the key ingredients.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a hearty, cheesy casserole that most children enjoy. The combination of pasta, beef, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser for families.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets hearty flavor in this beef lombardi casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish that combines rich ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta. Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe, promising you a satisfying meal that warms both heart and hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (150g) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped onion
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking vessel to create a non-stick surface for the casserole.
2. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, releasing its rich flavors and developing a deep color.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic into the beef, cooking until the vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Introduce marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together for 5 minutes, creating a robust and aromatic base.
5. Simultaneously, prepare elbow macaroni according to package directions, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture.
6. Drain the pasta and fold it into the seasoned beef mixture, thoroughly coating each noodle with the savory sauce.
7. Transfer the combined beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a rich, golden blanket of melty goodness.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust that signals the casserole is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.

Notes

• Make ahead by preparing the casserole up to the baking step, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld together.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that keeps the dish versatile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting garlic and adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a kick, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Enhance nutrition by mixing in extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms, which blend seamlessly into the hearty sauce without changing the core recipe.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg