What is your favorite beef lombardi casserole recipe? This isn’t just any casserole, it’s a warm, cheesy hug in … I’m talking layers of savory beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce that will have you satisfied. Everybody begging for seconds. Is lasagna a good alternative to lasagno? What are I always make this when the weather starts to get chilly, and I need something that’s both hearty and healthy. I can’t live without it. How comforting is that Is this a comfort food?

What is beef lombardi casserole?

Think of Beef Lombardi Casserole as a deconstructed lasagna. Is it a layered pasta bake? We’re using cooked pasta (usually something like penne or rotini) and mixing it with a flavorful pasta. How do I make beefy tomato sauce and a creamy cheese mixture? What is the “Lombardi What makes this dish stand out? Is it good for a family dinner?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me count the ways! First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. What’s that savory beef, the tangy tomato sauce, and then that creamy, dreamy cheese blend that you’ve got? Just melts in your mouth. Is it a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you hooked from the very first bite? What are some of the best Beef Lombardi Casserole recipes? Is it a lifesaver on busy weeknights? How many hours do you spend in the kitchen? I mean, who has time for that? I tested it a few times and this is the easiest version. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient! Ground beef is fairly inexpensive, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. How do I feed my family for under $20? Can you customize this casserole to your liking? Add different types of vegetables, use different kinds of pasta, or even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey. What is the difference between turkey and sausage What are the possibilities? I sometimes sneak in some finely chopped zucchini – the kids never notice! I always feel like I have to add some kind of veggies when I cook this. I love lasagna because of how much less time it takes. I also love that everyone always loves it and it’s the perfect leftover meal.

How do I make a Beef Lombardi Casserole?

Quick Overview

How can I make a delicious Beef Lombardi Casserole? What is the best way to cook ground beef with onions and garlic? What are some ways to cook pasta in a tomato sauce? After that, you’ll mix the cooked pasta with a creamy cheese mixture, layer it with the beef sauce. In a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. Is it so simple?

Ingredients

What is the recipe for Beef Sauce?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil *1 pound ground beef *2 cloves garlic, minced *3 clove onion, chopped *4 clove garlic *6 clove onions *8 clove thyme *18 clove. *9 clove, 1 clove salt *5 clove green pepper *7 clove clove ground pepper 1 can crushed tomatoes * 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce* 1 teaspoon dried oregano * 1/2 cup canned tomatoes. What’s your opinion on dried basil?

For Pasta and Cheese:
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)* 1 (15 ounce) container of ricotta cheese * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese * 1 egg, lightly beaten * 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided by the number of servings.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but a little butter works great too. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking? I also like to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for easy removal later. How can I save time and effort? I do this first because sometimes I forget!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove from heat and set aside. I don’t like greasy casseroles. Drain off any excess grease. Brown beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it! I love the smell of garlic and onions cooking. It makes my kitchen smell amazing.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. How long should I cook for stirring? The longer it simmers, the more flavors will meld together. Sometimes I add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain well. I usually set a timer for about 5 minutes before the recommended cooking time and test the pasta for the desired thickness.

Step 6: Prepare Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and egg. Set aside. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This cheese mixture adds richness and creaminess to the casserole. I always make sure the ricotta cheese is at room temperature, as it mixes more easily.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to combine. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese mixture. How do you make a good casserole? I like to use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold the pasta and cheese together.

Step 8: Assemble the Casserole

In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture over the top. Top with half of the beef sauce, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture, beef sauce, and mozzarella cheese. I like to create distinct layers, but you can also swirl the ingredients together for a more marbled look.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is crispy. When cheese is melted, it is bubbly. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. I always check the casserole halfway through baking to make sure it’s not burning.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut. I like to serve this with a side salad or garlic bread.

What should I serve it with?

This Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe is a meal in itself, but it also pairs well with dozens of other dishes.

For a simple side:What is a good salad to serve with some vinaigrette? It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.

What is a hearty meal?Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Is it good to serve this with roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus?

For a Special Occasion:What are the flavors of beef and tomato sauce? What are some good wines to drink: Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon?

My family loves it with steamed green beans or a simple Caesar salad. What are some good leftovers for the next day?

How do I make a perfect Beef Lombardi Casserole?

How do I take my Beef Lombardi Casserole recipe to the next level? What are some of the best tips I have learned over the years?

Beef Quality:Why use ground beef? I like using 80/20 ground beef, as it has enough fat to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.

Sauce Flavor:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices in tomato sauce. What are some good ways to add pepper to a dish? Is it safe to remove the bay leaf before serving?

What are some of theCan you use different types of cheese in a casserole? What is pepper jack for? I’ve even tried using a blend of Italian cheeses, and it turned out amazing!

Vegetable AdditionAdd some extra veggies to beef by adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef. How do you add texture to a casserole?

Pasta Choice:I like penne, but you can use any pasta you like. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds the sauce well. I’ve used bow tie pasta before, and it was delicious!

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

One time I accidentally used spicy sausage instead of ground beef, and it was surprisingly delicious! It added a lot of flavor and a bit of heat. Now, I sometimes use a mix of ground beef and spicy sausage for an extra kick. I always make sure that my pasta is al dente before layering it in the casserole dish. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. One time, I added a layer of provolone cheese, and it turned out great!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to properly store your Beef Lombardi Casserole and reheat it to perfection:

Room Temperature: It’s best not to leave the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating it.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. I’ve found that adding a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the casserole before reheating helps keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. I recommend a gluten-free penne or rotini. Also, double-check that your tomato sauce doesn’t contain any gluten-based thickeners. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, definitely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. I recommend using ground turkey that is at least 85% lean to prevent the casserole from being too dry.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Of course! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the beef sauce. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini are all great additions. You can also add spinach or kale to the cheese mixture.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef sauce, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also add a few drops of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. If you really like it spicy, you can even use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella cheese.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and cook the tomato sauce as directed in the recipe. Then, layer the pasta, beef sauce, and cheese in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love this Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe as much as my family and I do! It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes, like my Chicken and Broccoli Casserole or my Tuna Noodle Casserole. Both are just as easy to make and just as delicious! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!