This Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole is a warm and cheesy dish, packed with ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s like a big hug in a pan!
You’ll love how simple it is to make. Just mix, layer, and bake—no fancy skills needed! I often sneak a spoonful right from the dish, because who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein source. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, lentils or plant-based ground meat work well too.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but you can substitute with any small pasta like penne or rotini. Whole wheat pasta can add extra fiber if you’re looking for nutritious swaps.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives that lovely gooeyness. If you want something less melty, feta or goat cheese could work, and they add a nice tang. If you skip the ricotta, cottage cheese will also add creaminess.
Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition. They can blend nicely in the tomato sauce without changing the flavors too much.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Pasta for Casseroles?
The key to cooking pasta for casseroles is to undercook it slightly. Here’s how:
- Boil the pasta until it’s just al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package suggests.
- This allows it to absorb the sauce while baking without becoming mushy.
- Drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process, then mix it with your delicious beef sauce.
Following these tips ensures your casserole has the perfect texture—tender pasta that still holds up to the rich flavors!
How to Make Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with cooking spray or butter to make cleanup easier.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni (or your chosen small pasta) according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your casserole from being greasy.
5. Mix in the Sauces and Seasoning:
Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer together for about 5-7 minutes, just long enough for the flavors to blend beautifully.
6. Combine with Pasta:
After removing the skillet from heat, stir in the cooked pasta until it’s well-coated in that rich, beefy sauce. If you’re using ricotta or cottage cheese, fold it in now for that extra creaminess.
7. Layer the Casserole:
Transfer half of the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. This will ensure that every bite is cheesy and delicious!
8. Finish Layering:
Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, and then top it off with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your casserole is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This gives it time to firm up a bit. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if you like, and serve hot!
Enjoy your hearty and easy Beef Lombardi Casserole! It’s perfect for gatherings or as a comforting weeknight meal!
FAQ for Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary, especially for leaner meats.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of sauce or water if it seems dry.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to cook them down a bit before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
