Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Layers of creamy noodles, rich beef-tomato sauce, and melty cheddar cheese combine to create a crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.
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.
Notes
For extra flavor, try using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.