Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, tender egg noodles, and a creamy blend of sour cream and cottage cheese. Topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and garnished with fresh parsley, this casserole delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy texture, ideal for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Tomato Base
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook Noodles: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese thoroughly. This mixture adds creaminess and richness to the casserole.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom. Spread the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture on top of the noodles as the middle layer. Then add the remaining noodles over the creamy layer.
- Add the Beef: Pour the simmered beef and tomato mixture evenly over the layered noodles and cream cheese mixture for an even distribution of flavors.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole to create a melty, cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Make sure to drain the cooked noodles well to avoid a watery casserole.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it slice more cleanly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
