Whenever Grandma made Beef Lombardi, it was a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This hearty casserole combines tender egg noodles, rich ground beef, and a trio of cheeses, creating layers of irresistible flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that leaves everyone satisfied. With its simple preparation and nostalgic taste, it’s no wonder there was never a crumb left uneaten.

Ingredients
To recreate this cherished recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop its robust flavors. In the prepared baking dish, start with a layer of half the cooked egg noodles, followed by half the beef mixture. Dollop half the sour cream over the beef layer and sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, sour cream, and cheeses. Finish by evenly sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.

Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Beef Lombardi is a hearty and satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans for a fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also perfect accompaniments for soaking up every bit of the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, add a light dessert like fruit salad or a slice of pound cake to balance the richness.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, place a portion in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
Beef Lombardi freezes exceptionally well, making it an ideal meal prep option. To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Wrap the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Bake it at 350°F, covered, for 35–40 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
With these serving and storage tips, Beef Lombardi can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a convenient meal later, ensuring no bite of this delicious dish goes to waste!
Variations
1. Spicy Beef Lombardi
Add a kick to the dish by mixing red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the beef mixture. You can also use spicy cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of heat.
2. Veggie-Packed Version
Enhance the nutritional value by incorporating sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach into the beef mixture. These additions add texture and flavor while keeping the dish hearty.
3. Chicken Lombardi
Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey. This lighter variation is just as flavorful and perfect for those who prefer poultry over beef.
4. Low-Carb Option
Replace the egg noodles with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. This variation retains the delicious flavors while being keto-friendly.
5. Italian-Inspired Twist
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a bolder, more savory flavor. Pair it with marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce and top with fresh basil for an authentic Italian touch.
6. Gluten-Free Beef Lombardi
Substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients, like tomato sauce and spices, are certified gluten-free to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
7. Extra Creamy Casserole
Mix a few tablespoons of cream cheese or ricotta cheese into the sour cream for an even creamier, richer casserole. This variation adds a luxurious texture to the dish.
8. Cheesy Delight
Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as smoked gouda, Gruyère, or fontina. The blend of unique cheeses can elevate the flavor profile of the casserole.
9. Taco-Style Beef Lombardi
Season the beef mixture with taco seasoning and layer the casserole with black beans, corn, and diced green chiles. Top with shredded Mexican blend cheese and serve with sour cream and salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
10. Single-Serve Cups
Instead of assembling the casserole in a large dish, layer the ingredients in individual ramekins or muffin tins for portion-controlled servings. This variation is ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
These creative variations allow you to customize Beef Lombardi to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless delicious ways!
FAQs
1. Can I make Beef Lombardi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, and bake as directed.
2. Can I freeze Beef Lombardi after baking?
Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or store it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
3. What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Egg noodles are traditional for Beef Lombardi, but you can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before layering.
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are excellent substitutes for ground beef. You can also use shredded cooked chicken or pork for a variation in texture and flavor.
5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Beef Lombardi vegetarian, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Ensure the tomato sauce and cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.
6. What cheeses work best for this recipe?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are used in the classic recipe, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Fontina for different flavors.
7. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or spicy sausage to the beef mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
8. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente and that there’s enough sauce in the beef mixture. Cover the casserole with foil for the first part of baking to lock in moisture, then uncover it for the final 10 minutes.
9. What side dishes pair well with Beef Lombardi?
Beef Lombardi pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or steamed green beans. These sides complement the richness of the casserole.
10. Can I make a smaller portion of this recipe?
Yes, simply halve the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish. Adjust the baking time slightly, but follow the same layering and cooking steps.
These FAQs address common questions to ensure your Beef Lombardi turns out perfectly every time, whether you’re preparing it fresh, storing it, or customizing it to your tastes!
Beef Lombardi is more than just a casserole; it’s a warm, comforting embrace in every bite. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles makes it a dish that’s as delicious as it is nostalgic. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe is a must-have for your family dinners. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why it’s a cherished classic that stands the test of time.
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Beef Lombardi
Description
Whenever Grandma made Beef Lombardi, it was a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This hearty casserole combines tender egg noodles, rich ground beef, and a trio of cheeses, creating layers of irresistible flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that leaves everyone satisfied. With its simple preparation and nostalgic taste, it’s no wonder there was never a crumb left uneaten.
Ingredients
To recreate this cherished recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop its robust flavors. In the prepared baking dish, start with a layer of half the cooked egg noodles, followed by half the beef mixture. Dollop half the sour cream over the beef layer and sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, sour cream, and cheeses. Finish by evenly sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Beef Lombardi is a hearty and satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans for a fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also perfect accompaniments for soaking up every bit of the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, add a light dessert like fruit salad or a slice of pound cake to balance the richness.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, place a portion in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
Beef Lombardi freezes exceptionally well, making it an ideal meal prep option. To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Wrap the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Bake it at 350°F, covered, for 35–40 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
With these serving and storage tips, Beef Lombardi can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a convenient meal later, ensuring no bite of this delicious dish goes to waste!