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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- While the sauce simmers, cook elbow macaroni in boiling water according to package directions until al dente, then thoroughly drain the pasta.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the prepared meat sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the savory sauce.
- Transfer the meat and pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom of the dish.
- Generously cover the mixture with a blend of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- 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