Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Family Hit

Comfort shines through in this hearty beef lombardi casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of rich, savory ingredients meld together creating a classic dish everyone craves.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated such delightful pasta bakes with deep appreciation.

Warm, cheesy textures combine with robust ground beef for an incredible meal that feels like a warm hug.

Pasta noodles absorb the tangy sauce while melted cheese creates irresistible golden edges.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers extraordinary flavor without complicated techniques.

Beef Lombardi Casserole That Comforts

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Satisfy everyone's hunger with this hearty, cheesy beef casserole that brings smiles to the dinner table.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare a delicious meal in minimal steps, combining protein, pasta, and cheese for a complete dinner solution.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the familiar flavors of marinara, beef, and melted cheese, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-dish recipe that combines all ingredients into a delectable baked masterpiece.

Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this classic casserole.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that provides a comforting texture and helps bind the casserole together.

• Marinara Sauce: Tangy tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and rich flavor to the casserole.
• Oregano: Herb that brings an authentic Italian seasoning touch to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the beef mixture.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, stretchy layer on top of the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

How to Prepare Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Brown The Meat

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sizzle and cook until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown, breaking it into delicious crumbly pieces.

Step 3: Create A Flavor Explosion

• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let everything bubble and meld together for about 5 minutes, creating an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Pasta Party

Cook elbow macaroni until perfectly tender, then drain and fold into the meaty sauce mixture.

Step 5: Build The Casserole

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Pull out the casserole, let it rest for a few minutes, then dive into this comforting, cheesy delight.

Tips to Perfect Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Select lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat and create a healthier casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Slightly undercook the elbow macaroni to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a tender yet firm texture in the final dish.
• Mix mozzarella and Parmesan for a more complex cheese profile, creating a richer and more dynamic taste experience.
• Add extra diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and introduce more depth to the casserole.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight meals.

Variations on Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Beef Lombardi: Replace marinara with salsa, add diced green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Lamb Lombardi: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, use crushed tomatoes with oregano, add feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Lombardi: Substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and lentils, use vegetable marinara, and add spinach for extra nutrition.
• Chicken Alfredo Lombardi: Use shredded chicken instead of beef, replace marinara with creamy Alfredo sauce, and mix in roasted garlic and Italian herbs.

Pairings That Match Beef Lombardi Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the hearty casserole's richness.
• Enhance with Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy texture, adding bright, tangy notes that refresh the palate.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing an extra layer of flavor and helping to mop up every last bit of the savory beef mixture.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs to add a nutritious and colorful side that contrasts the casserole's warmth.

How to Store Beef Lombardi Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and ensure even heating.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What is Beef Lombardi Casserole?

A hearty one-dish meal featuring ground beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, originating from traditional Italian-American comfort cooking that combines simple ingredients into a delicious family-friendly dinner.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese makes this casserole a hit with children who typically enjoy mild, cheesy dishes with familiar flavors.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to create your preferred version of the casserole while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef Lombardi casserole brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with its rich layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Creamy textures and bold flavors combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave time and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (150g) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara sauce

Cheese:

• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped onion
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meat sauce by sautéing ground beef with diced onions, chopped bell peppers, and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat turns completely brown.
2. Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating marinara sauce, sprinkle in oregano, season with salt and black pepper, then allow the sauce to gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes, developing rich flavors.
3. While the sauce simmers, cook elbow macaroni in boiling water according to package directions until al dente, then thoroughly drain the pasta.
4. Combine the cooked pasta with the prepared meat sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the savory sauce.
5. Transfer the meat and pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom of the dish.
6. Generously cover the mixture with a blend of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using a blend of ground meats like beef and pork for more complex taste.
• Swap traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium marinara sauce and reducing added salt.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 834 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg