Beef Lombardi Casserole is the perfect comfort food dish that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a family dinner or meal prep. The best part? It’s loaded with flavors that everyone will love, and it’s all cooked in one dish for minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
A delicious, one-dish meal with pasta, beef, and cheese
Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
Hearty and filling—perfect for dinner or leftovers
Easy to make and great for busy weeknights
Ingredients
Here’s a preview of what you’ll need. For the full list and measurements, check the recipe card below.
- Ground beef
- Pasta (rotini, penne, or macaroni works well)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Cream of mushroom soup (or your preferred cream soup)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
Directions
Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Make the Sauce
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the beef mixture. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and mix well until everything is combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta and beef mixture. Stir to mix everything evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Bake
Bake the casserole for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Expert Tips and Tricks
For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the beef.
Use a combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups for a richer sauce.
If you want a crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
Add veggies: You can stir in some frozen peas, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
Make it spicier: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
Use a different cheese: Swap the mozzarella or cheddar for pepper jack or provolone for a different flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup option.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this Beef Lombardi Casserole with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of garlic bread. A glass of red wine, like a medium-bodied Merlot or Zinfandel, complements the rich, cheesy flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if it needs some extra moisture when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage would work well as substitutes for ground beef.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Any short pasta works well, but rotini, penne, or macaroni are ideal since they hold the sauce well.
Can I freeze Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish and freeze it before baking, then bake it from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes.
Conclusion
Beef Lombardi Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, creamy, and packed with savory flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal, this dish has you covered. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a deliciously rich and savory dish featuring ground beef, tender pasta, a creamy tomato sauce, and a generous amount of melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make casserole that’s packed with flavor, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- (Optional) Add any additional ingredients, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or red pepper flakes, during this step.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and the beef sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a slightly lighter option.
- For extra flavor, top the casserole with a little extra Parmesan cheese before baking.
- To make it a bit spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 80g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg