🧀 Beef Lombardi Casserole

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:

  1. Layer half of the cooked noodles
  2. Spoon half of the cheese mixture on top
  3. 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.
Print
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🧀 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

  • 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

  1. Cook noodles according to package; drain and set aside.

  2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain fat.

  3. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.

  4. In a bowl, mix sour cream, cottage cheese, and green onions.

  5. In a greased 9×13 dish, layer half of noodles, cheese mixture, beef mixture. Repeat layers. Top with cheddar cheese.

  6. 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)

  • Author: niold.com

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