Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: A Family-Favorite Meal

Every home cook knows that a hearty beef lombardi casserole can turn an ordinary weeknight into a celebration of comfort.

Comfort doesn’t get more delicious than this classic dish bursting with rich flavors.

Layers of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a symphony of textures that dance on your plate.

Southern kitchens have long treasured this casserole as a go-to meal that satisfies big appetites.

Quick and straightforward preparations make this recipe a lifesaver when hunger strikes and time is short.

Creamy tomato sauce and perfectly seasoned meat promise a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Everyone Keeps Asking For

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies everyone's comfort food cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
• Hassle-Free Cooking: One-pan preparation reduces cleanup time, making this recipe ideal for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to modify with additional vegetables, spice levels, or cheese variations to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Affordable ingredients combine to create a hearty, protein-packed meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Ingredients

• Pasta: Classic foundation of the casserole, provides hearty texture and bulk to the dish. Wide egg noodles or penne work wonderfully.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Rich protein source with deep savory flavor. Choose lean ground beef for less grease. Fresh garlic offers robust taste.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Beef Broth: Creates robust, tangy sauce base. Canned tomatoes save time and offer consistent flavor. Low-sodium broth helps control salt levels.

• Basil, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Add classic Italian herb profile and enhance overall taste. Fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor than dried.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides creamy texture and rich, melty topping. Full-fat cheeses offer best flavor and melt quality.

• Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Red Pepper Flakes: Boost nutritional value and customize flavor profile. Fresh vegetables add extra texture and color.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the casserole.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Hearty Bake Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Prep Oven

Get your cooking space ready by turning the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a pot of water and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly tender.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on creating deliciousness.

Step 2: Brown Savory Beef Mixture

Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef and break it into delectable crumbles while cooking.

Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance together until they become soft and fragrant.

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and bubble, stirring occasionally until it thickens and develops deep, rich flavors.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Beef

In a big mixing bowl, unite your cooked pasta with ricotta cheese and the robust beef sauce.

Stir everything together until perfectly blended.

Transfer this magnificent mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Create Cheesy Topping

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Covering the casserole with a blanket of melty, golden goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven.

Let it rest for a few minutes to settle its flavors.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve piping hot to waiting hungry friends and family.

Comfort Food Tips for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the casserole, preventing mushy noodles.
• Deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning beef to enhance the sauce's complexity and richness.
• Layer cheeses strategically, placing mozzarella underneath Parmesan to create a perfectly melted, golden-brown topping without burning.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options, and use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly version.
• Assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal planning easier for busy households.

Lombardi Casserole Storage Ideas

• Transfer leftover Beef Lombardi Casserole to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture if needed.

Beef Lombardi Add-On Ideas

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the hearty beef and tomato sauce, enhancing the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Create Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding a refreshing contrast and cutting through the heavier dish.
• Serve Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect accompaniment that adds extra texture and flavor to the meal.
• Recommend Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle high-quality olive oil infused with basil or oregano over the casserole just before serving to elevate the dish's Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.

Ways To Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain the rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Beef Lombardi: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Casserole: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or riced cauliflower. Reduce tomato paste to lower carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic casserole taste.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add kalamata olives, swap mozzarella for feta cheese, and incorporate fresh oregano. Include spinach or artichoke hearts for an extra Mediterranean touch.

FAQs

• Is Beef Lombardi Casserole a healthy dish?

While delicious, it’s a hearty meal with moderate nutritional value. It contains protein from beef and calcium from cheeses, but also has higher fat content. Consider using lean ground beef and part-skim ricotta for a healthier version.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the entire casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Medium-sized pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal. They hold the sauce well and create better texture compared to smaller pastas like macaroni or larger ones like lasagna noodles.

• How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini into the beef sauce. These additions boost nutrition and add extra flavor complexity to the dish.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lombardi casserole brings Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with rich layers of ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese. Hungry families will devour this classic one-dish wonder that promises warmth and satisfaction in every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounces/170 grams) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Optional Add-ins:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), preparing the canvas for this hearty culinary creation.
2. Submerge the pasta in boiling water, coaxing it to tender perfection according to package guidelines. Carefully drain and set aside, allowing it to rest momentarily.
3. Warm a skillet with a whisper of oil, then introduce ground beef. Choreograph the meat’s transformation, breaking it into delicate crumbles as it browns richly.
4. Incorporate finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, letting them dance and soften, releasing their aromatic essence for 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth, seasoning generously with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, developing deep, complex flavors.
6. Gently fold ricotta cheese into the robust meat sauce, creating a creamy, luxurious texture that embraces the pasta.
7. Transfer the sumptuous mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, spreading it evenly with loving care.
8. Shower the top with a lavish blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, letting it bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
10. Rescue from the heat, allowing the dish to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving this comforting feast.

Notes

• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that maintains the classic casserole texture and flavor profile.
• Consider adding a layer of sautéed vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more depth in the dish.
• Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the hearty comfort food essence of the recipe.
• Pre-cook and drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess fat and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated meat flavor in the final casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 497
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg