If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that combines layers of rich flavors and textures, this Beef Lombardi Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s like the ultimate comfort food with a twist—imagine savory ground beef, tender pasta, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning to bring it all together. This dish is perfect for those cozy nights in or when you’re cooking for a crowd. It’s one of those recipes that’ll make everyone at the table ask for seconds!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi Casserole
This casserole is the perfect balance of flavors, and trust me, it’ll quickly become a family favorite. Here’s why it’s such a winner:
- Hearty & Comforting: It’s like a warm hug in casserole form. The beef and pasta combo is both filling and comforting, making it perfect for any meal.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a busy weeknight or as a crowd-pleasing dish at a get-together, it’s sure to impress.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, this casserole proves that you don’t have to spend a lot to create a delicious meal.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can have this casserole in the oven in no time. Even beginner cooks will find this recipe easy to follow.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s cheesy, savory, and flavorful—what’s not to love? Perfect for picky eaters and everyone else at the table.
Ingredients
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a ton of ingredients to create this flavor-packed dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole. Brown it up to give it that rich, savory flavor.
- Pasta: Use your favorite short pasta like penne or rotini. It soaks up all the delicious sauce and adds that perfect texture.
- Onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic: A must-have for that aromatic, savory punch.
- Tomato Sauce: The saucy base that holds everything together.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
- Shredded Mozzarella: For that melty, gooey cheese that everyone loves.
- Shredded Parmesan: A touch of sharpness and flavor to complement the mozzarella.
- Italian Seasoning: For that classic Italian flavor that brings everything together.
- Salt and Pepper: To season to taste.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s break down the steps to create this mouthwatering casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden finish.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, since it’ll cook more in the oven.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Mix in the Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning to the beef mixture. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, followed by the beef mixture, and then the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let it sit for a few minutes to cool and set. Then, dig in and enjoy a hearty, cheesy bite!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole
This casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread on the side is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips
- Make-Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. Assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge to bake the next day.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole for later. Just assemble, cover, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just bake straight from frozen (you may need to add extra cooking time).
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to swap out the mozzarella for other cheeses like provolone or cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Twist: For a little extra heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for beef. Just be sure to season it well so it has that rich flavor.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This casserole actually tastes even better the next day, so you can prep it in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Q5: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A5: Of course! Any short pasta shape will work—penne, rotini, ziti, or even rigatoni.
Q6: Can I add more veggies to the casserole?
A6: Yes! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for an extra veggie boost.
Q7: Is there a dairy-free version?
A7: You can swap out the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
Q8: What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
A8: You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Q9: Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce?
A9: Yes, you can use marinara sauce for added flavor, but keep in mind it might be a bit more seasoned.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a larger crowd, just double the ingredients and use a bigger baking dish.
Conclusion
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining everything you love—cheese, pasta, savory beef, and a rich, tomato-based sauce. It’s a simple, delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. So go ahead, try it out—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, pasta, and melted mozzarella. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or for meal prepping ahead of time. With a rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese topping, it’s sure to be a hi
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Pour half of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the pasta mixture over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor.
- You can substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef, or combine both for a meaty version.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a richer taste.
- If you prefer, use cottage cheese or mascarpone instead of ricotta.
- Assemble the casserole in advance and bake it when ready.
- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg