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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, releasing its rich flavors and developing a deep color.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic into the beef, cooking until the vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Simultaneously, prepare elbow macaroni according to package directions, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture.
- Drain the pasta and fold it into the seasoned beef mixture, thoroughly coating each noodle with the savory sauce.
- Transfer the combined beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a rich, golden blanket of melty goodness.
- 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