Beef Lombardi

Beef Lombardi is a rich, cheesy, and comforting casserole made with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and a creamy sour cream layer, all topped with melty cheese and baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, family-style dinner that I love making ahead or freezing for later. Every bite is savory, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love Beef Lombardi because it’s the ultimate comfort food—meaty, cheesy, creamy, and filling. It’s simple to make, uses pantry staples, and has that baked pasta goodness I crave on cozy nights. It also reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or meal prep. Whether I’m serving a weeknight dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Diced tomatoes

• Tomato paste or tomato sauce

• Egg noodles or elbow macaroni, cooked

• Sour cream

• Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Olive oil or butter

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Optional: green onions, parsley, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, I heat a little oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft, then add the garlic.

3. I stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. I add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste or sauce, letting it simmer for 10–15 minutes.

5. In a separate bowl, I mix the sour cream and cottage cheese.

6. I layer the cooked noodles in the baking dish, followed by the creamy cheese mixture.

7. I spoon the beef and tomato mixture over that and top it all with shredded cheddar cheese.

8. I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

9. I let it rest a few minutes before serving and garnish with green onions or parsley.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves 6 to 8 people easily. It takes me about 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, and another few minutes to cool before serving—so I’ve got dinner ready in under an hour.

Variations

• I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef when I want to mix it up.

• Sometimes I swap egg noodles for penne, rotini, or even spaghetti.

• I add spinach or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost.

• For a spicier version, I toss in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

• I swap cottage cheese for ricotta if I want a smoother, richer texture.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. It also freezes really well—I wrap it tightly and freeze before or after baking.

FAQs

Can I make Beef Lombardi ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh for dinner. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. I freeze it before baking (without the cheese topping) or after it’s fully cooked. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight and bake until hot and bubbly.

What kind of pasta works best?

I usually use egg noodles, but I’ve made it with macaroni, penne, and shells. Any sturdy pasta that holds sauce well works.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, I’ve swapped sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and still gotten that creamy tang. It’s a lighter option that works great.

Is this kid-friendly?

Definitely. It’s cheesy, mild, and familiar. I leave out the spice when making it for kids and sometimes serve it with garlic bread for a fun dinner.

Conclusion

Beef Lombardi is one of my go-to casseroles for a filling, flavorful, and cozy meal. It’s packed with meat, cheese, and creamy layers that make it taste like a warm hug in every bite. Whether I’m cooking for the family or prepping freezer meals, this dish always makes dinner easy—and delicious.