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!