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Beef Lombardi Casserole

Beef Lombardi Casserole

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, a rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses. This easy-to-make casserole delivers bold, family-friendly flavors in one dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz tubular or short pasta such as rigatoni or penne

Cheeses

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Variations

  • Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach (for vegetable boost)
  • Alternative cheeses: provolone, gouda, or sharp cheddar
  • Gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat
  • Ground turkey or chicken as meat substitute

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent mushiness during baking.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in a little oil until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Combine Sauce and Beef: Pour tomato sauce into the skillet with the browned beef mixture. Stir well and let simmer briefly to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
  4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly. Add half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture on top, then sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, beef mixture, and mozzarella. Finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Place casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta; slightly undercooked pasta prevents mushiness after baking.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for optimal melting and flavor.
  • Layer ingredients evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Let casserole rest before serving to improve texture and ease of portioning.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Customizable (Gluten-Free option available)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: beef casserole, pasta bake, comfort food, ground beef recipe, one dish meal, family dinner, easy casserole