Beef Lombardi Casserole: Cheesy, Hearty & Old-Fashioned Comfort

If you love cozy casseroles that fill your kitchen with irresistible smells and your belly with pure satisfaction, this Beef Lombardi Casserole is a must-try. It’s an old-fashioned family favorite that layers seasoned ground beef, noodles, rich tomato sauce, sour cream, and gooey cheese into one incredible dish. Think of it as a cross between lasagna and baked spaghetti — creamy, meaty, and totally comforting.
The first time I made it, I was trying to use up some leftover ground beef and pasta. I threw everything together with a few simple ingredients, baked it until bubbly, and the result was pure magic. My kids went back for seconds before I even sat down! Now, this casserole is right up there with my Creamy Beef Noodle Bake and Chicken Pot Pie Stew when it comes to cozy family dinners.

Beef Lombardi Casserole

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A cheesy, comforting casserole that blends seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, noodles, sour cream, and two cheeses. It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 525

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, canned
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup small curd cottage cheese or ricotta
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 8 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet for cooking beef
• mixing bowls for cheese and cream mix
• 9×13-inch baking dish for casserole assembly
• aluminum foil for covering casserole
• Spatula or spoon for layering

Method

 

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
2. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and green onions. Mix well and set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the cooked noodles, half the sour cream mixture, half the meat sauce, and half the shredded cheeses. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
4. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 32gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 820IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 3.1mg

Notes

Make ahead tip: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. For extra flavor, mix in some Parmesan with the cheese layers. Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.

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Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi Casserole

This dish is the definition of comfort food — flavorful, cheesy, and made from pantry staples. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, reheats beautifully, and can even be made ahead. Every bite has a little bit of everything: tender noodles, tangy tomato sauce, creamy layers, and melted cheese.
If you love hearty, layered meals like my Philly Cheesesteak Bowl or Pioneer Woman Loaded Potato Soup, this one will definitely hit the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Layer:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup small curd cottage cheese (or ricotta)
• 2 green onions, chopped

For Assembly:

• 8 oz egg noodles (cooked and drained)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

If you enjoy easy casseroles that combine bold flavors with simple prep, you’ll also love my Macaroni and Hamburger Soup for another weeknight win.

How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to thicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Layer

In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, cottage cheese, and green onions until combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, half of the sour cream mixture, half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheeses. Repeat with remaining layers, ending with cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

If you’ve made my Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder, you already know the joy of slow, layered flavors — this baked version gives you that same richness with cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a slice of Christmas Bread Recipe or a green salad.

Tips for Perfect Beef Lombardi Casserole

Use Lean Ground Beef: Keeps it rich but not greasy.
Mix the Cheeses: The blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives flavor and meltiness.
Let It Rest: Cooling slightly helps the layers set for cleaner slices.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

If you enjoy practical comfort recipes that reheat beautifully, try my Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken next for another make-ahead dinner that tastes even better the next day.

How to Store and Reheat

Storage: Store cooled casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot.

Flavor Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
2. Three-Cheese Twist: Add Parmesan to the cheese layer for extra flavor.
3. Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a heartier meal.
4. Turkey Lombardi: Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter take.

If you love creative casserole ideas like this, my Creamy Beef Noodle Bake offers another family favorite packed with the same comforting flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use penne or rotini instead of egg noodles?
Yes! Any short pasta works perfectly in this recipe.
2. Can I substitute cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese makes an excellent substitute if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. How can I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based ground meat or swap the beef for lentils.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans.

The Final Bite: Cheesy, Savory & Utterly Satisfying

This Beef Lombardi Casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table. It’s hearty, cheesy, and layered with flavor — the definition of homestyle comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or when you want something that tastes like love in casserole form.
Serve it with my Christmas Bread Recipe or a light salad, and you’ve got the perfect balanced dinner that feels straight out of grandma’s kitchen.