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Beef Lombardi Casserole

Beef Lombardi Casserole

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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