A comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, a creamy noodle mixture, and a generous topping of melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons (3 oz) tomato paste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with chilies, drained
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 (12 oz) package egg noodles
- 1¼ cups sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and beef. Brown for 8–10 minutes, crumbling the meat and seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix in the tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and the drained diced tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles for just 3 minutes (they should still be firm). Reserve 2 cups of noodle water, then drain.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk sour cream, cream cheese, cornstarch, and ½ cup of the reserved noodle water until smooth. Stir in cooked noodles and add a little of the remaining pasta water to loosen, if needed.
Step 6: Grease a 9×13″ deep baking dish. Evenly distribute the noodle mixture in the baking dish and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Spoon the beef-tomato mixture over the noodles, smoothing it out. Sprinkle evenly with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
Step 8: Place in the center of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top. Remove and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a crowd-pleaser because it combines familiar flavors in a comforting and satisfying dish. The creamy noodle layer adds a richness that complements the savory beef sauce, and the melted cheese topping creates a golden, bubbly crust that everyone loves. It’s also a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Garlic bread complements the flavors of the casserole.
- A simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans adds a touch of freshness.
Tips:
- Only cook the noodles for 3 minutes—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain tomatoes thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked when ready.
- Swap in turkey or vegetarian meat alternatives if desired.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information: (estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
This Classic Beef Lombardi Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of flavor and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes, you can substitute the Colby Jack cheese with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just make sure the cheese melts well for the best results.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A2: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the casserole. Sauté them with the onions and beef in Step 2.
Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes, this casserole can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A5: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or a combination of sautéed vegetables and lentils.
