Beef Lombardi Cheesy Casserole (Printer-Friendly)
Layers of ground beef, noodles, tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses baked golden and bubbling.
# What You’ll Need to Cook:
→ Beef Layer
01 -
450 g ground beef
02 -
1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
400 g diced tomatoes (1 can)
05 -
170 g tomato paste (1 can)
06 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 -
0.5 teaspoon paprika
08 -
0.5 teaspoon sugar (optional)
09 -
Salt, to taste
10 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Cheese Layer
11 -
240 ml sour cream
12 -
240 ml cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
13 -
60 g shredded cheddar cheese
14 -
25 g grated Parmesan cheese
→ Pasta
15 -
340 g egg noodles or penne pasta, cooked and drained
→ Topping
16 -
100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
17 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# Steps to Prepare:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
02 -
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar if using, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
03 -
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese or ricotta, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
04 -
Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta in the base, then cover with half of the beef mixture followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, beef, and cheese mixtures.
05 -
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled layers.
06 -
Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 -
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
# Extra Cooking Tips:
01 -
The casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 1 day before baking. For freezing, prepare the dish in advance, freeze unbaked, and thaw before baking as directed.
02 -
For additional flavor, sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach and include as extra layers.