Beef Lombardi Casserole
What is your review of Beef Lombardi Casserole? Is this one of those dishes that just scream comfort food? I remember my grandma making something similar when I was little, always with a little extra love. Is it baked right in? This isn’t your average casserole. It’s got layers of tender beef, a creamy tomato sauce that’s just bursting with flavor, and pasta. Baked until golden brown. Do not overbake. Think of it as lasagna’s slightly more relaxed, equally delicious cousin, but easier to throw together. What is the best way to spend a week together Is it the same as my mom’s spaghetti?
What is Beef Lombardi Casserole?
What is Beef Lombardi Casserole? What is the “Lombardi” part? I made that up! But it sounds fancy, doesn’t it? I wanted something that captured the Italian-inspired flavors without sounding too cliché. What is lasagna made of? Is it a comforting hug to eat? Is it satisfying to Is it less fussy than lasagna? What is your grandma’s casserole? This one is juicy, flavorful, and totally unforgettable.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Beef Lombardi Casserole! What I love most is how ridiculously easy it is to throw together. Seriously, even on my busiest nights, I can manage to get this into the oven. And the flavor? Forget about it! The combination of the savory Ground Beef, the tangy tomato sauce, and the perfectly cooked pasta is just heavenly. It’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, devour this casserole every single time. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly! Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can swap out the pasta, add extra veggies, or even use different types of ground meat. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! It reminds me of a baked ziti, but with even more layers of deliciousness. I have made it with ground turkey too for a different flavor. What I always do is saute all the vegetables together for a few minutes before assembling the casserole, because it enhances their flavors so much. Honestly, this one is a lifesaver.
How do I make Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Beef Lombardi Casserole? How do I cook Ground Beef in a tomato sauce? How do I cook pasta until al dente? If you want to bake a casserole dish, top it with cheese, and bake it until it’s bubbly. Then, you’ll layer everything in the dish. Is it possible to get a It’s mostly hands-off once it’s in the oven, giving you time to relax and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine. Is it easier than it sounds to make a simple meal? Will your whole family be in love?
Ingredients
For the Beef Lombardi Casserole:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (I prefer 80/20 for extra flavor, but lean works too) *1 lb ground pork (as a vegetarian) (optional)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)*
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound pasta (I like penne or rotini), cooked al dente
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always give it a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Is it really that easy to clean up?
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown Ground Beef over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. How do you break up a casserole with sandpaper?
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma is just amazing at this point!
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. How do the flavors meld together?
Step 5: Combine
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato sauce. How do you stir the pasta to coat it evenly?
Step 6: Layer & Top
If you have a large baking dish, pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish. What is the best way to serve pasta with mozzarella cheese? Top with half a cup mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. What makes this cheese layer so irresistible?
Step 7: Bake
If cheese is melted in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. What is the best way to cut a piece of paper?
What should I serve it with?
What’s better than a Beef Lombardi Casserole? What are some good side dishes? What are some good ways to serve it with a green salad? The acidity of the dressing helps to cut through the richness of casserole. What is a good Garlic Bread recipe? What is better than bread dipped in a delicious sauce? For a more substantial meal, you could serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or other vegetables. I also love adding a glass of Chianti if I am feeling fancy. It pairs perfectly with the Italian-inspired flavors of the dish. Is it a crowd pleaser?
How do I make a perfect Beef Lombardi Casserole?
What are some tricks to make this Beef Lombardi Casserole even better? First, don’t overcook pasta! It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. I always recommend checking the casserole a few minutes before the recommended cooking time. How do you make sure your cheese doesn’t burn in an oven? Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! I’ve used provolone, fontina, and even a little bit of ricotta with great success. If you’re short on time, you can use a jarred Marinara Sauce instead of making your own. Just be sure to choose a good quality one. I tried this recipe with whole wheat pasta and it was delicious! What can affect the texture of a casserole? What I always do is thoroughly cook the meat and drain the excess fat, because this helps keep the fat from burning. Why is casserole greasy? If you like, you can add extra veggies to the sauce. What is the best way to sneak in some extra nutrients?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you make a Beef Lombardi Casserole ahead of time? To store, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Can you store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? Can you freeze a casserole for up to 3 months? Is it safe to refrigerate it overnight? To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just be sure to cover them with a paper towel to prevent splattering. I like to underbake a casserole if I know I’m going to be freezing it, because this is the easiest thing to do. I can’t do it right now. How do I keep it from drying out when it’s reheated? Don’t add cheese until you are ready to bake it, because this keeps the cheese from melting. How do you prevent a product from drying out during storage?
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Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe! It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this casserole is the perfect choice. And if you’re a fan of Italian-inspired comfort food, you might also enjoy my lasagna soup or my baked ziti. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking, friends!
