Beef Lombardi is the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole, layering tender egg noodles in a creamy sauce with a savory beef and tomato mixture, all topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese. The subtle sweetness of honey, the kick from Tabasco, and the richness of cream cheese and sour cream combine to create a flavor-packed dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this casserole is the kind of hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone back to the table for seconds. Pair it with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread for a complete, deliciously memorable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed Layers: The combination of tomato sauce, cheddar cheese, and creamy noodles delivers a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this casserole is perfect for any skill level.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with family and friends—it’s a classic everyone loves.
Great for Leftovers: Beef Lombardi tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
Key Ingredients
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds hearty flavor and protein to the dish. For an extra savory kick, consider using a mix of ground beef and sausage.
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles provide a tender, buttery base for the casserole. You can substitute with any wide pasta, like pappardelle or fettuccine.
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: These ingredients create a creamy, tangy sauce that coats the noodles and balances the bold tomato flavors.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes form the foundation of the beef sauce. For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds gooey, melty goodness to each layer. Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor contrast.
Tabasco Sauce and Bay Leaf: These subtle additions elevate the tomato sauce with a hint of heat and depth of flavor.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
1. Start with the Beef
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 pound of ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.
Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 7-10 minutes.
Drain Excess Fat: Remove any excess grease to keep the casserole from being oily.
2. Flavor Building
Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice.
Season the Sauce:
Add 1 tablespoon of honey, a few dashes of Tabasco sauce (to taste), 1 bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste.
Stir well.
Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Prepare the Pasta Layer
Mix Noodles and Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of cooked egg noodles with 4 ounces of cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
Add Green Onions and Sour Cream:
Mix in 2 chopped green onions and 1/2 cup sour cream until evenly distributed.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Grease the Dish: Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
Layer Ingredients:
Spread half of the noodle mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Top with half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
Repeat Layers:
Add another layer of noodles, beef sauce, and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
5. Bake the Magic
Cover and Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Uncover and Finish:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden, slightly crispy top.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Rest:
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set, making it easier to slice.
Serve:
Cut into portions and serve warm. Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Beef Lombardi casserole with simple sides to complete the meal:
Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for a lighter accompaniment.
Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine, like Merlot or Chianti, pairs beautifully with the bold, cheesy flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze
Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheat
Oven: Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Variations
Spicy Twist: Increase the Tabasco sauce or add red chili flakes for extra heat.
Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning to the beef mixture and top with sliced jalapeños for a Tex-Mex-inspired version.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
Three-Cheese Delight: Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a more complex cheesy topping.
Conclusion
Beef Lombardi is the epitome of a comforting, hearty meal that brings everyone to the table. With its savory beef sauce, creamy noodles, and cheesy topping, it’s a casserole you’ll want to make again and again.
Pro Tip: For a bubbly, golden crust, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking—just keep a close eye to prevent burning!
So, grab your skillet, prep your noodles, and treat your family to this cozy, satisfying dish. Trust me, seconds (and thirds) are inevitable!
Beef Lombardi Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes 28 oz, with juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce adjust to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces egg noodles cooked
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 6 green onions chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes with juice, honey, Tabasco sauce, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked egg noodles with cream cheese until smooth. Mix in chopped green onions and sour cream until evenly distributed.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the noodle mixture on the bottom, top with half of the beef sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Cut into portions and serve warm with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
