Comfort Food at Its Finest—Rich, Creamy, and Layered with Love
If you love hearty casseroles that bring the family running to the dinner table, then this Beef Lombardi recipe is a must-try. This retro-inspired baked dish is the perfect combination of tender egg noodles, a savory beef and tomato sauce, creamy layers of sour cream and cottage cheese, and a generous topping of melted cheddar.
Often found in community cookbooks and Sunday dinner traditions, Beef Lombardi is easy to make, budget-friendly, and ideal for both weeknight meals and potlucks. One bite in and you’ll understand why it’s a timeless classic.
🌟 Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly – A great meal prep dish
- Balanced layers of creamy, savory, and cheesy
- Feeds a crowd – Perfect for families, leftovers, or gatherings
- No complicated techniques – Simple ingredients, maximum flavor
🍲 What is Beef Lombardi?
This dish is a layered casserole that brings together everything you want in comfort food:
- A hearty beef and tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and oregano
- A creamy cheese layer with sour cream, cottage cheese, and green onions
- Egg noodles for that tender, pasta foundation
- And a golden topping of melty cheddar cheese
It’s somewhat like lasagna without the pasta sheets—no-boil simplicity with the soul of a baked Italian dish, American-style.
🧾 Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef – Classic, flavorful, and easy to brown
- 1 onion, chopped – Adds sweet, aromatic depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for bold flavor
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Juicy and textured
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – Smooth tomato base
- ½ tsp oregano – Earthy and herby flavor
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
For the Noodles and Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz egg noodles – Light, fluffy texture perfect for baking
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds tangy creaminess
- 1 cup cottage cheese – Melty and rich when baked
- ½ cup green onions, chopped – Adds freshness and bite
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For a bubbly, golden-brown crust
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Egg Noodles
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook 8 oz egg noodles according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
Tip: Undercook noodles slightly (1 minute less) since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
2️⃣ Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cook until beef is browned and onion is tender.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in:
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup green onions
Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish:
- Layer half of the cooked noodles
- Spoon half of the cheese mixture on top
- Add half of the beef mixture
Repeat layers with remaining noodles, cheese, and meat.
Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible cheesy crust.
5️⃣ Bake & Rest
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty dish with:
- Garlic bread or buttery rolls
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- A glass of iced tea or red wine
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap unbaked or baked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.

🧀 Beef Lombardi Casserole
Beef Lombardi Casserole
A rich, creamy, cheesy casserole layered with beef, tomatoes, noodles, and cheese—perfect for cozy dinners and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
-
1 onion, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
-
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
-
½ tsp oregano
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
8 oz egg noodles
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1 cup cottage cheese
-
½ cup green onions, chopped
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Cook noodles according to package; drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain fat.
-
Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
-
In a bowl, mix sour cream, cottage cheese, and green onions.
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In a greased 9×13 dish, layer half of noodles, cheese mixture, beef mixture. Repeat layers. Top with cheddar cheese.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Let rest before serving.
Notes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Calories: ~400 per serving (approximate)