Name: Classic Beef Lombardi Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 58 min
Total time: 1 h 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; ½ medium onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons (3 oz) tomato paste; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 3 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with chilies, drained; ¼ teaspoon celery salt; 1 (12 oz) package egg noodles; 1¼ cups sour cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded

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Classic Beef Lombardi Casserole brings bold flavors and comforting textures straight to your table in under 80 minutes. With savory ground beef, zesty tomato-chili sauce, creamy noodles, and melted Colby Jack cheese, this hearty casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Each forkful offers layers of rich umami, gentle spice, and indulgent creaminess that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, the prep is mostly hands‑off—just browning, boiling, mixing, and baking. Follow along for a simple, crowd‑pleasing recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi

Crowd‑pleaser – Feeds 8–10 with ease.
Comfort food – A creamy, cheesy noodle bake with savory beef.
One‑dish meal – Combines proteins, carbs, and dairy, so you don’t need extra sides.
Make‑ahead friendly – Assemble in advance and bake later.
Simple to customize – Easy swaps to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
½ medium onion, chopped
1 tsp salt (plus a pinch for topping)
½ tsp black pepper (plus a pinch for topping)
4 Tbsp (3 oz) tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with chilies (drained)
¼ tsp celery salt
1 (12 oz) package egg noodles
1¼ cups sour cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Step-by-Step: How to Make Classic Beef Lombardi Casserole

Preheat & brown beef
- Preheat oven to 350 °F.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and beef. Brown for 8–10 minutes, crumbling the meat and seasoning with salt and pepper.
Build the sauce
- Mix in the tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and the drained diced tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes, stirring until sauce thickens slightly.
Par‑cook noodles
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles for just 3 minutes (they should still be firm). Reserve 2 cups of noodle water, then drain.
Make creamy noodle layer
- In a mixing bowl, whisk sour cream, cream cheese, cornstarch, and ½ cup of the reserved noodle water until smooth. Stir in cooked noodles and add a little of the remaining pasta water to loosen, if needed.
Assemble the casserole
- Grease a 9×13″ deep baking dish. Evenly distribute the noodle mixture in the baking dish and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Add beef and cheese
- Spoon the beef-tomato mixture over the noodles, smoothing it out. Sprinkle evenly with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
Bake
- Place in the center of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top. Remove and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips

Don’t overcook your noodles – They’ll finish baking in the oven; you want them al dente so they don’t turn mushy.
Drain well – Removing excess moisture from tomatoes and noodles prevents a watery casserole.
Cornstarch hack – Helps the cream cheese and sour cream blend smoothly and thickens the sauce.
Cheese swap – Feeling indulgent? Use half mozzarella for super-stretchy melt.

Substitutions And Variations

Ground Turkey or Chicken – Replace beef to lighten the dish.
Vegetarian swap – Use crumbled tempeh, tofu, or plant-based “beef.”
Spice it up – Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or use jalapeño tomatoes for more kick.
Dairy‑free version – Try vegan cream cheese, coconut yogurt, and dairy-free shredded cheese.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a 350 °F oven until heated through.
Reheating: Heat individual servings in the microwave or bake leftovers at 350 °F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.

Nutritional Information About Classic Beef Lombardi Casserole

Per serving (~1/10th recipe):

Calories: ~530 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbs: 35 g
Fat: 30 g (sat ~15 g)
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sugar: ~6 g

(Note: These nutritional estimates can vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.)

Serving Suggestions

Fresh garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced green onions.
Side salad: Pair with a refreshing mixed greens salad dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Garlic bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls for an indulgent touch.
Veg boost: Sautéed broccoli, green beans, or steamed carrots round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Beef Lombardi Casserole

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake when ready—just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Q: Is there a way to make it gluten‑free?
Absolutely. Use certified gluten‑free egg noodles or substitute rice noodles—adjust the cooking time to al dente, and proceed the same way.

Q: How spicy is it?
The diced tomatoes with chilies add a gentle, flavorful heat to this dish.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can! Substitute about 4 cups of diced fresh tomatoes, sauté with the sauce, and drain excess juice before mixing. Fresh tomatoes may make the sauce slightly tangier.

Q: What if my casserole is too soupy after baking?
That usually means too much moisture remained. Next time, drain noodles and tomatoes thoroughly and whisk in a bit more cornstarch (1½ Tbsp) to help bind.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for trying this Beef Lombardi casserole—this dish fills my kitchen with cozy, mouthwatering aromas every time I make it! It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy—with just a bit of prep and a single bake, you get creamy noodles, savory beef, and gooey cheese in one comforting dish. I hope it warms your table and brings smiles around the dinner plate. Enjoy the delicious simplicity, and happy cooking!

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