Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty and creamy American comfort food featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles coated in a smooth sour cream and cream cheese mixture, and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make baked casserole is perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead or frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Noodle Mixture
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later on.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and onions are tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off excess grease for a healthier dish. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken slightly and blend the flavors.
- Prepare Noodle Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooked egg noodles, ensuring they are well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the creamy noodle mixture evenly across the bottom. Layer half of the beef mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and beef. Finally, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- It can also be frozen unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- For extra nutrition and flavor, add chopped spinach or bell peppers to the beef mixture while cooking.
