Ah, Beef Lombardi Casserole—this dish takes me back to my childhood, where cozy family dinners meant hearty meals and a whole lot of love. I remember stepping into the kitchen after school, greeted by the savory aromas wafting from my mom’s cooking. Beef Lombardi was a regular guest on our table, and let me tell you, it never disappointed! There’s just something magical about the combination of rich beef, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles all bubbling together in one dish. It’s a recipe that warms the heart and fills the belly, making it perfect for those chilly nights when you want something comforting.
What makes this casserole unique is its layering of flavor and textures. You’ve got the beautiful creaminess of cottage cheese mingling with the gooeyness of mozzarella, all wrapped up in the delightful embrace of seasoned ground beef and egg noodles. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and it’s honestly hard to resist going for seconds (or even thirds!). So, let’s get our ingredients together, and I’ll walk you through making this delightful dish!
What’s in Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that come together to create this fantastic casserole, along with a few tips from my personal pantry:
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I typically use lean ground beef to keep it from being too greasy, but feel free to swap for a different protein like turkey or chicken if you’re looking for something lighter.
Egg Noodles: These noodles are perfect for this casserole; they soak up all the flavors really well. Don’t worry if you can’t find egg noodles—we can use any pasta style that you love!
Onion and Garlic: The aromatic duo! I like a medium onion for a nice flavor base. If you’re feeling adventurous, try roasting the garlic for a sweeter taste.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: These both add richness and depth to the casserole. I usually go for low-sodium options so I can control the saltiness of the dish.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs is essential for bringing those classic flavors to life. If you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, throw them in!
Salt and Pepper: Just the basics to elevate all those flavors!
Mozzarella Cheese: This is what dreams are made of! I love using shredded mozzarella because it melts like a dream. Sometimes, I mix in some provolone for a little extra flavor.
Cottage Cheese: This adds a creamy texture that complements the noodles perfectly. Don’t worry, it won’t taste like cottage cheese—just delicious, cheesy goodness.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top not only garnishes the plate beautifully but adds a fresh flavor contrast too!
Is Beef Lombardi Casserole Good for You?
This comforting casserole has a few wholesome touches!
Ground Beef: A great source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins—but remember to opt for lean beef to keep the fat content in check.
Egg Noodles: While they provide a comforting base, I recommend whole wheat noodles for added fiber and nutrients!
Cottage Cheese: It’s high in protein and calcium, making it a smart choice to bolster the nutritional profile of the dish. Plus, that creaminess is just fantastic!
That said, watch out for added sodium from canned goods, and if you’re making this for a crowd with dietary restrictions, you can easily swap ingredients for others that fit their needs.
Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole
– 1 lb ground beef
– 12 oz egg noodles
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Servings**: This recipe serves about 6 people.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready for the magic!
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is cooked through and the onions are tender. Make sure to drain any excess grease—I don’t want a greasy casserole, do you?
3. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes while you enjoy the savory smell in the air.
4. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside, humming your favorite tune while you wait.
5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked egg noodles with the delicious meat sauce until the noodles are well-coated.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the noodle and meat mixture in the bottom. Spread half of the cottage cheese over the noodles, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Yum!
7. Repeat the layering with the remaining noodle and meat mixture, cottage cheese, and top with the last of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Once deliciously cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Lombardi Casserole
Oh, my dear friends, this casserole begs to be served warm, perhaps with a cooling dollop of sour cream on the side and a crisp side salad to balance it out. And here’s a little secret I swear by: it gets even better the next day! Feel free to make it ahead of time and pop it in the fridge to bake fresh when you’re ready.
I can’t wait for you to try this Beef Lombardi Casserole! It’s a recipe that has warmed my heart for years, and I know it will become a favorite in your home too. Please share your experiences, any tweaks you made, or even funny kitchen stories that popped up while you were cooking! Happy eating!
