Beef Lombardi Casserole

A cozy, layered casserole featuring creamy egg noodles, savory ground beef in tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheese on top. A comforting, hearty dinner crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, creamy noodles perfectly complement savory beef and tomatoes
A cheesy, golden crust gets everyone excited
Ideal for casual family dinners or make‑ahead meals
One‑dish comfort food that’s simple yet satisfying
Easily customizable with various cheeses or protein options
Holds up well as leftovers or freezer-friendly portions
Slightly spicy tomato kick from chili‑infused tomatoes
Pasta and sauce blend meld flavors beautifully during baking
Versatile—swap beef for turkey or use gluten‑free noodles
Balanced textures—tender noodles, chunky beef, gooey melted cheese

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g. Ro‑Tel), drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
¼ teaspoon celery salt (or regular salt)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 oz egg noodles
½ cup reserved pasta cooking water
1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2½ cups shredded cheese (Colby Jack, cheddar, or your favorite blend)
Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in tomato paste, seasonings, and drained tomatoes. Simmer for about 5 minutes to deepen flavor.
Meanwhile, cook egg noodles for 3 minutes until just al dente. Reserve about ½ cup cooking water and drain.
Whisk together sour cream or yogurt, cream cheese, cornstarch, and reserved pasta water until smooth.
Stir the noodles into the cream mixture until evenly coated, then spread into the prepared baking dish.
Top noodles with the beef-tomato mixture, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with parsley if desired.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes

Variations

Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs
Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a spicy cheese blend for variation
Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef
Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat
Mix in Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for tangier flavor
Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to boost spiciness
Top with breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips before baking for extra crunch
Make individual portions using ramekins or smaller baking dishes
Serve dolloped with plain Greek yogurt or hot sauce on top

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat portions in the oven at 350 °F for about 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through
Freeze individual portions (uncooked or cooked) for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating

Beef Lombardi Casserole

FAQs

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes—the ingredients scale linearly; use a larger or smaller dish, and adjust cook time slightly.

Can I make this ahead and bake later?

Absolutely—assemble casserole and refrigerate (or freeze). Bake when ready to serve, possibly adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

What type of cheese melts best on top?

Colby Jack, cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella work beautifully. Use freshly shredded for best melting and texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick from the chiles in the canned tomatoes. Choose mild or traditional cans based on your spice preference.

Can I omit cream cheese?

You can substitute more sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version—taste and texture differ slightly.

Can I add veggies to this casserole?

Yes—bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or frozen vegetables stirred into the meat mixture work well.

How do I prevent noodles from drying out?

Reserve some pasta water and mix into the creamy base. Ensure toppings include some saucy elements.

Is this casserole gluten‑free?

Use gluten‑free noodles and verify other ingredients have no gluten-containing additives.

Can leftovers be reheated directly from the fridge?

Yes—either bake covered with foil at 350 °F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

What should I serve alongside this casserole?

Serve with simple sides like green salad, steamed broccoli, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a rich, comforting layered dish with tender noodles, savory beef in a tomato‑chile sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Ideal for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meals, this timeless casserole offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors in every bite. Enjoy its warming goodness with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.