Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring browned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, layered with cooked pasta and a creamy cheese mixture, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this casserole combines Italian flavors with gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) sliced mushrooms (optional)
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be layered later.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned thoroughly. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and optional sliced mushrooms. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Combine with Cheese: In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella until well combined to create a creamy cheese mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, start by layering the cooked pasta evenly, then spread the beef and tomato sauce mixture over it. Spread the cheese mixture evenly on top of the beef layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the casserole, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it on the day you plan to serve for convenience.
- Enhance the casserole by adding extra vegetables such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture during cooking.
- For a lighter protein option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit based on taste.
- Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
