Beef Lombardi Casserole (Print View)
Seasoned ground beef and egg noodles layered with tomatoes and a creamy cottage-cheddar topping—easy, family-friendly comfort.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauces & Liquids
04 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
05 - 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pasta
10 - 8 ounces egg noodles
→ Dairy
11 - 1 cup sour cream
12 - 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
# How to Make:
01 - Set oven to 350°F and allow to preheat fully.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until evenly browned; drain excess fat.
03 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to skillet; cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
05 - Cook egg noodles in a large saucepan according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
06 - In a mixing bowl, blend sour cream and cottage cheese until evenly combined.
07 - Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Arrange half of the cooked noodles evenly in the base, followed by half the sour cream-cottage cheese mixture, and half the beef mixture. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients.
08 - Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the assembled casserole.
09 - Place uncovered casserole dish in oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until cheddar is melted and surface is golden and bubbly.
10 - Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to set layers.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This is the kind of meal you can throw together quickly but still feels like a big, cozy hug at the end of a long day.
- I adore how it layers creamy cheese with saucy beef, making every bite different and delicious.
02 -
- I once forgot to drain the beef and ended up with a greasy bottom—always drain off excess fat.
- Layering is everything: start with noodles so nothing sticks, and spread the topping cheese out to every corner for crispiness.
03 -
- If you want perfect, clean slices, wait the full 10 minutes after baking before serving.
- Crisping up a sprinkle of extra cheese in the last three minutes makes the top irresistible.