Beef Lombardi Casserole (Printable)
Hearty beef Lombardi casserole with ground beef, tomatoes, egg noodles and a creamy cheddar topping.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauces & Liquids
04 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
05 - 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pasta
10 - 8 ounces egg noodles
→ Dairy
11 - 1 cup sour cream
12 - 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°F).
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
05 - Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles in a large saucepan according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
06 - In a mixing bowl, blend the sour cream and cottage cheese until well combined.
07 - Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles, then half of the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat these layers.
08 - Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
09 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
10 - Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Layering the noodles and cheese creates the best balance of gooey, creamy, and hearty in every forkful.
- This casserole is just as good reheated the next day, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks.
02 -
- I once skipped letting it rest and ended up with a runny mess—patience really does pay off.
- Layering everything evenly prevents dry corners and ensures cheesy strands in every bite.
03 -
- A quick broil right at the end gives the cheese topping irresistible color and extra crunch.
- Mixing some sharp and mild cheddar adds subtle depth that makes each layer stand out.