Description
Beef Lombardi is a comforting American casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, cheesy egg noodles, and a creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, all baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and can be easily prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, and sliced green onions. Mix well to create a creamy layer for the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked egg noodles on the bottom, followed by half of the sour cream mixture and then half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set slightly and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use ricotta in place of cottage cheese for a different texture and flavor.
- This casserole freezes well—assemble ahead of time and bake directly from frozen. Just add 15–20 minutes to the bake time.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use whole wheat egg noodles for a healthier option.
