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Beef Lombardi Casserole

Beef Lombardi Casserole
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Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty and comforting oven-baked dish featuring tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, tomato sauce, and a melty cheese topping. Perfect for family dinners and chilly evenings, this recipe is simple to prepare, versatile to customize, and delivers satisfying rich flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Base Layer

  • 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or similar) or thinly sliced potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)

Cheese Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella, cheddar, and/or provolone)

Optional Toppings

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunchy topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is fully cooked and onions are soft and fragrant. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
  2. Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce along with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Assemble the Casserole Layers: Grease a baking dish and layer the cooked pasta or sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spoon the beef mixture over the base layer. If your dish allows, repeat layers. Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheese on top, and sprinkle breadcrumbs if desired.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for a better melt and gooey topping.
  • Drain excess fat from cooked beef to improve texture and reduce greasiness.
  • Precook pasta or potatoes slightly underdone to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Layer ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavors in every portion.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking for 10 minutes to hold its shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, comfort food, ground beef recipe, oven-baked casserole, cheesy casserole, family dinner

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/beef-lombardi-casserole/