Beef Lombardi Casserole (Print Version)
Comforting Beef Lombardi with seasoned ground beef, egg noodles, tomatoes and a creamy cheddar topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauces & Liquids
04 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
05 - 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pasta
10 - 8 ounces egg noodles
→ Dairy
11 - 1 cup sour cream
12 - 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
# Steps:
01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F and allow to preheat.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; continue cooking, stirring frequently, until onions are tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir well and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
05 - Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and small curd cottage cheese. Mix until evenly blended.
07 - Coat a 9x13 inch casserole dish lightly with nonstick spray. Layer half of the cooked noodles evenly in the base, then spoon half the sour cream-cottage cheese mixture over noodles, followed by half the beef mixture. Repeat the sequence with remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and beef.
08 - Distribute shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top layer.
09 - Transfer dish to preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and top is golden brown and bubbling.
10 - Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow for easier slicing. Serve warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Every bite is layered and creamy, with a crunchy cheese top that feels straight from a cozy diner.
- This casserole is a secret weapon for weeknights when you want hearty food without a mountain of dishes.
02 -
- Rushing the simmer stage leaves the sauce watery and the flavors flat—let it bubble the full 10 minutes.
- Once I forgot to let it rest after baking and the slices fell apart—waiting really does give you cleaner servings.
03 -
- Greasing the casserole dish generously keeps cleanup blissfully quick.
- Letting the casserole cool uncovered for a few minutes helps the cheese layer set with just the right crispiness.