Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting dish that combines flavorful ground beef, tangy sour cream, tender egg noodles, and gooey cheddar cheese in a single, easy-to-make meal. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a warm, satisfying dish. It’s also versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients according to taste or dietary needs. Below, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to prepare this delicious casserole, along with tips, FAQs, and more.
Ingredients with Quantities
Before we get started, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.
- 2 lbs ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but any variety will work.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory flavor to the beef.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and texture to the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: The tomatoes provide acidity and help form the sauce.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Adds depth and a rich tomato flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Creamy and savory, it’s the base of the casserole’s sauce.
- 1 can (4 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained: Adds an earthy flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and richness.
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained: The hearty base of the casserole.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For topping and extra cheesiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season the dish to your preference.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped for garnish: Optional, but adds freshness and color to the final dish.
Optional Ingredient Substitutions:
- For a healthier twist, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Swap cream of mushroom soup with a low-fat version or a homemade alternative.
- If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can omit them or replace them with another vegetable like bell peppers or zucchini.
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow your casserole to bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown top layer.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
- In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula, and add the chopped onion. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions have softened, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent your casserole from becoming too greasy.
Tip: Use lean beef to reduce the amount of fat you need to drain. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika at this stage.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato and Mushroom Mixture
- Once the beef and onion mixture is ready, stir in the garlic powder, diced tomatoes (including the juice), tomato paste, and sliced mushrooms. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Note: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the beef mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
- While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook when baked in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
Tip: Drizzle the cooked noodles with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Base
- In a small bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth. This mixture will add creaminess to the casserole and balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles at the bottom. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the noodles. Next, spoon half of the beef mixture over the sour cream layer. Repeat the process with the remaining noodles and beef mixture.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will melt into a golden, gooey topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful touch.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance to the rich, hearty flavors of the casserole.
FAQs about Beef Lombardi Casserole
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Beef Lombardi Casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, allow the casserole to come to room temperature before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s still cold.
Q2: Can I freeze Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Once it’s fully assembled (before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Q3: Can I use different types of cheese?
Certainly! While cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with other types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Q4: How can I make this casserole healthier?
To lighten up this casserole, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also use whole-wheat egg noodles or gluten-free noodles if preferred.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, this casserole is very versatile. You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrients and texture. Just sauté the vegetables along with the beef and onions.
Q6: How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers will last for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Q7: What sides go best with Beef Lombardi Casserole?
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Q8: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are the classic choice for this recipe, you can substitute with other short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie if that’s what you have on hand.
Conclusion
Beef Lombardi Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, offering layers of tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, rich beef, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a dish that can feed a crowd or provide plenty of leftovers for busy weeknights. Plus, its versatility means you can adapt the recipe to your tastes or dietary needs, making it a go-to recipe for families everywhere.