Beef Lombardi Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that will feed your family and friends with ease, look no further than this Beef Lombardi Casserole. It’s like the best of both worlds: a comforting pasta bake loaded with savory beef, gooey cheese, and a flavorful sauce that’s got everyone asking for seconds. The layers of deliciousness meld together perfectly, creating a meal that’s as filling as it is satisfying. Trust me, this one is a total crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s so easy to make—you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi Casserole

Here’s why this casserole is going to be your new go-to dish:

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of seasoned ground beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese creates a flavor-packed casserole that everyone will love. The layers of savory goodness just melt together, making every bite irresistible.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one baking dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it’s super easy to assemble, which is always a win when you’re looking to simplify meal prep.
• Feeds a Crowd: This dish is perfect for feeding a big family or group of friends. It’s filling, satisfying, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just want to enjoy a hearty meal, Beef Lombardi Casserole has you covered.
• Make-Ahead Magic: It’s the perfect casserole to prep ahead of time. Assemble it the night before, store it in the fridge, and then pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It’s a time-saver for busy days!
• Customizable: Not a fan of beef? You can easily swap it for turkey, chicken, or even a meat-free alternative. The casserole is flexible and works with whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

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

• Ground Beef: The base of the casserole, which provides all that savory, meaty flavor. You can use lean beef to make it a little lighter or stick with a fattier blend for a richer flavor.
• Pasta: Penne pasta is the classic choice, but you can use any pasta you like—rotini, ziti, or even shells work wonderfully in this dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A hearty marinara sauce is key to bringing everything together. It adds the perfect amount of tang and richness to complement the beef and pasta.
• Mozzarella Cheese: This melty, gooey cheese is essential to the casserole. It melts perfectly over the top and creates a delicious, cheesy crust.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a bit of sharpness and flavor contrast to the mozzarella, creating a rich, cheesy topping.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic veggies give the beef a savory depth of flavor. Sauté them until fragrant, and the whole dish will be off-the-charts delicious.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to bring that classic Italian flavor to the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, to make sure the dish is perfectly seasoned.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s jump into the steps for making this tasty Beef Lombardi Casserole:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the penne (or your choice of pasta) according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s fully browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. This step infuses the casserole with so much savory goodness.

Step 4: Combine with Sauce

Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned beef, and marinara sauce mixture. Stir it all together so the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and beef.

Step 6: Layer in a Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it up, and serve it warm with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 50mg
  Sodium: 600mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
  Protein: 25g
  Vitamin A: 12%
  Vitamin C: 4%
  Calcium: 20%
  Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole

• With a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• With Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce and cheese.
• With Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great vegetable side that adds a healthy contrast to the rich casserole.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just bake it directly from the freezer (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
• Swap the Meat: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer a different flavor. You can also make it vegetarian by using a meat substitute or adding extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
• Cheese Varieties: For an extra cheesy casserole, mix in some shredded cheddar cheese along with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the marinara sauce for an extra layer of spice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Ziti, rotini, or even fusilli would all work great in this casserole. Just make sure the pasta is hearty enough to hold up to the sauce and beef.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just bake it straight from the freezer (with a little extra baking time).

Q3: Can I make this dish without meat?
A3: Definitely! You can substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative, or add more vegetables, like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, to make it vegetarian.

Q4: Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?
A4: Yes, you can! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a bit of zucchini to the meat and sauce mixture for added veggies.

Q5: Can I use a store-bought marinara sauce?
A5: Absolutely! Using a jarred marinara sauce is a great shortcut to make this casserole quicker. Just be sure to choose one that you love the flavor of.

Q6: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
A6: Yes! Mince a couple of garlic cloves and sauté them with the onions for a stronger, fresher garlic flavor.

Q7: Can I use a different cheese?
A7: Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just make sure it melts well for that delicious gooey topping!

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results, or microwave individual portions.

Q9: Can I freeze this casserole?
A9: Yes, Beef Lombardi Casserole freezes really well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Definitely! If you’re feeding a larger group or want to have leftovers, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Beef Lombardi Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner, this comforting casserole will satisfy every craving. Get ready to enjoy those second-helping moments!

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