This Beef Lombardi is a comforting and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner! This dish features a flavorful ground beef mixture layered with tender egg noodles and a creamy sauce, all topped with a generous amount of melted Colby Jack cheese. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to assemble and sure to please the whole family. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy with this delicious Beef Lombardi!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Cheesy: The combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Easy to Assemble: This casserole is a breeze to put together, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Hearty and Filling: This dish is packed with protein and carbohydrates, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes a generous amount, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Beef Lombardi:

Olive oil: Used for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions.
Lean ground beef: Provides a savory base for the casserole.
Onion: Chopped, it adds sweetness and flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and richness.
Garlic cloves: Minced, they add a fragrant touch.
Italian seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
Diced tomatoes & chilies: Drained, they add acidity, texture, and a touch of heat. Ro-tel is a popular brand.
Celery salt: Adds a subtle celery flavor.
Egg noodles: These wide noodles are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy and creamy element to the sauce.
Cream cheese: Softened, it adds richness and creaminess.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
Colby Jack cheese: Shredded, it adds a cheesy topping with a blend of flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Beef Lombardi

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Add the tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and drained diced tomatoes & chilies to the skillet.
Cook for 5 minutes, or until the water begins to cook off, stirring often.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

While the beef mixture is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the egg noodles and cook for 3 minutes only. They should be slightly undercooked as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and ½ cup of the reserved noodle water until smooth.
Stir in the cooked noodles and the remaining reserved noodle water.
Pour the noodle mixture into a greased 9×13 inch deep-sided baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Top with the beef mixture, spreading it evenly over the noodles.
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use lean ground beef: This will prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook the noodles just until they are slightly undercooked, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved noodle water to thin it out.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives over the top before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Serve

On its own: This Beef Lombardi is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
With a side salad: Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
With garlic bread: Serve it with garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Beef Lombardi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or even lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces).

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and substitute it with your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the noodles and cheese may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Enjoy this comforting and cheesy Beef Lombardi!

Jaden Christner

Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

Beef Lombardi Recipe