Description
Beef Lombardi brings comfort straight to your dinner table with its hearty layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Prepare this classic casserole when craving a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and feeds hungry family members with ease.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package egg noodles
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Sauté 1 lb ground beef and ½ cup diced onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until beef turns brown and loses its pink color. Drain away excess fat completely.
- Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F, ensuring the rack is centered.
- Boil 8 cups of salted water and cook the entire package of egg noodles for 7-8 minutes until they reach al dente texture. Drain noodles thoroughly.
- Create a creamy mixture by combining 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a medium mixing bowl.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread half of the cooked noodles across the bottom as the first layer.
- Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the noodle layer.
- Pour half the can of tomato sauce across the beef layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Dollop half of the cheese mixture on top, spreading gently with a spatula.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining noodles, beef, tomato sauce, and cheese mixture.
- Generously sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the final layer for a golden, melted topping.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until cheese melts and casserole edges become bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving, helping the layers set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Drain the meat thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Slightly undercook the noodles since they’ll continue cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce.
- For a lighter version, swap full-fat dairy with low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream, which still maintain the creamy texture.
- Make this dish ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinners easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Beef
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 646 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg