Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines ground beef, tender noodles, creamy cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. With layers of savory goodness and a baked cheesy top, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. This classic casserole is as filling as it is flavorful.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicdiced tomatoes with juicescanned tomato pastecooked egg noodlescream cheese sour cream shredded cheddar cheesesaltblack pepperItalian seasoningolive oil

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until softened.

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

Layer the casserole: spread half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Top with half of the cream cheese mixture, spreading it over the noodles.

Add half of the beef mixture, then repeat the layers with remaining noodles, cream cheese mixture, and beef.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with melted, golden cheese on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.

Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra veggies.

Top with crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.This casserole can be frozen before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Can I use different noodles?

Yes, any pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni can be used in place of egg noodles.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but mozzarella or a blend works well too.

How do I prevent a soggy casserole?

Drain the meat and avoid overcooking the noodles before assembling.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very much so—kids love the cheesy, saucy layers.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check all labels for gluten-free ingredients.

Can I skip the cream cheese?

You can substitute with ricotta or cottage cheese for a similar creamy layer.

Should I cover it when baking?

No, bake uncovered for a nice golden cheese top.

What side dishes go well with it?

A simple green salad and garlic bread make perfect accompaniments.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use two baking dishes or one large casserole.

Conclusion

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying dish to feed a crowd. Once you try it, this layered casserole will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.