Looking for a hearty, comforting meal to satisfy your family? This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a classic dish that combines seasoned beef, tender egg noodles, and layers of creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner when you want something warm and filling. Whether you choose lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. With a combination of rich flavors from tomatoes, spices, and cheeses, it’s a go-to recipe that you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of lean ground beef (or use ground turkey or chicken as an alternative)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup of sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the Egg Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until they reach an al dente texture. Drain and set them aside.
- Prepare the Ground Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced tomatoes, roasted tomatoes with green chiles, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and let the mixture gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, giving the flavors time to blend.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sour cream-coated noodles on the bottom. Top with half of the meat and tomato mixture. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining noodles, followed by the rest of the meat mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious Beef Lombardi Casserole.
Conclusion:
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is the perfect dish for when you want something warm, filling, and flavorful. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy noodles, and melted cheeses, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s versatile enough to use ground beef, turkey, or chicken, and you can even swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten it up. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day, this dish will always be a hit!