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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), preparing the canvas for this hearty culinary creation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, letting them dance and soften, releasing their aromatic essence for 3-4 minutes.
- 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.
- Gently fold ricotta cheese into the robust meat sauce, creating a creamy, luxurious texture that embraces the pasta.
- Transfer the sumptuous mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, spreading it evenly with loving care.
- Shower the top with a lavish blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, letting it bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- 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