Beef Lombardi Casserole (Print)
Comforting beef and tomato casserole with egg noodles and creamy cheese topping, ideal for family dinners.
# Ingredient list:
→ 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef; sauté until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
05 - Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese until evenly blended.
07 - Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles in the base, followed by half of the sour cream-cottage cheese mixture, then half of the beef mixture. Repeat layering with remaining noodles, dairy mixture, and beef sauce.
08 - Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
09 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
10 - Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This is one of those casseroles that tastes even better the next day—if any survives that long.
- It combines creamy, savory, and tangy flavors in a way that feels like a genuine treat after any kind of day.
02 -
- If you rush the resting time, you'll end up with soupy slices—patience pays off.
- Homemade freshly shredded cheddar melts better and tastes richer than the pre-shredded type.
03 -
- Layering the noodles first prevents sticking, and helps every bite keep its shape.
- Sprinkle a handful of cheddar right in the middle layer for an extra gooey surprise.