If you’re searching for a simple yet hearty dinner that brings comfort and rich flavors to your table, the Beef Lombardi Casserole is your new go-to. This dish combines tender ground beef with melty cheeses, zesty tomatoes, and a perfect blend of herbs all baked to golden perfection. Ready in just minutes and satisfying every craving with its warm, savory depth, this Beef Lombardi Casserole is sure to become a family favorite for cozy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With minimal chopping and simple steps, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Hearty and Filling: Ground beef and cheese come together for a meal that keeps you satisfied.
Rich Flavor Profile: The balance of savory beef, aromatic herbs, and tangy tomato sauce creates delightful depth.
Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making great lunches or dinners.
Family Friendly: The familiar ingredients and comforting textures appeal to all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients bring this Beef Lombardi Casserole to life. Each item adds to the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish irresistible.

Ground Beef: Choose lean for a balance of flavor and health without excess grease.
Tomato Sauce: A robust base that adds acidity and sweetness to complement the beef.
Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that build the savory foundation.
Italian Seasoning: A classic herb blend that elevates the casserole with warm, earthy notes.
Cheese Blend: Mozzarella and Parmesan for gooey meltiness and a slightly nutty finish.
Cooked Pasta: Penne or rigatoni works best to hold sauce and beef together.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness.
Salt and Pepper: The finishing touches to enhance every other flavor.

Variations for Beef Lombardi Casserole

This recipe is wonderfully versatile—feel free to customize it to suit your palate or dietary needs with these easy swaps and additions.

Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
Spicy Kick: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to raise the heat level.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella for a different melt and flavor.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use lean poultry instead of beef for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties or spiralized zucchini.

Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole to Savor Tonight

How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Chop onion and garlic finely, measure out cheese, sauce, and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. These prep steps guarantee smooth cooking ahead.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart for even cooking. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Combine Sauce and Beef

Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Stir gently to blend all the flavors together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Mix with Pasta and Cheese

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir in half of your shredded cheese to mix throughout evenly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven—this helps it set for cleaner slices and optimal texture when served.

Pro Tips for Making Beef Lombardi Casserole

Drain Excess Fat: After browning the beef, drain fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
Use Fresh Herbs: If available, fresh basil or oregano can brighten up the sauce flavor dramatically.
Cheese on Top: For extra crispy crust, broil the casserole for 2 minutes at the end of baking.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercook pasta as it will continue to absorb moisture in the oven.
Layer Flavors: Season each component individually for a richer, balanced taste.

How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that beautifully contrasts with the rich casserole.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this casserole, balancing the meal with fresh textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for guests or family-style right from the casserole dish to share the warmth and comfort of this delightful meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked assembled casserole or leftover portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in an oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, or microwave individual servings until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used to make a lighter or different-flavored Beef Lombardi Casserole while still maintaining great texture and taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep since it stores well, freezes nicely, and tastes great reheated throughout the week.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture while cooking to give it a pleasant heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils works well, paired with your preferred vegetables and extra seasoning for depth.

What type of cheese is best for this casserole?

Mozzarella provides creamy meltiness, while Parmesan adds sharpness; combining the two creates the perfect cheesy topping that browns beautifully in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This easy, comforting Beef Lombardi Casserole offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and simple preparation that anyone can master. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish warms the soul and pleases every palate. Give it a try tonight and watch it become your next favorite cozy meal!

Beef Lombardi Casserole

Print Recipe

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish combining tender ground beef, melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, zesty tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under an hour, this casserole offers rich, savory flavors with minimal prep, making it ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, and leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Seasonings

24 oz tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1 tbsp fresh basil/oregano, chopped)

Pasta and Cheese

12 oz cooked penne or rigatoni pasta, al dente
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic finely. Measure out the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Beef and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart for even cooking. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Combine Sauce and Beef: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Stir gently to combine, then let simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and blend the flavors.
Mix with Pasta and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese to distribute evenly.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set. This helps achieve cleaner slices and a better texture when serving.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano if available to boost sauce freshness.
For a crispier cheese topping, broil casserole for 2 minutes at the end of baking.
Slightly undercook pasta to avoid over-softness after baking.
Season each component individually (beef, sauce, pasta) for balanced flavors.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Beef casserole, beef lombardi, baked pasta, comfort food, Italian casserole, ground beef dinner