Beef Lombardi Casserole (Print Version)
A hearty bake of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, egg noodles and creamy cheddar, perfect for family meals.
# 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
# Directions:
01 - Set oven to 350°F and allow to fully preheat.
02 - Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned; drain off excess fat.
03 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to skillet; sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Cook egg noodles in a large saucepan according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese until uniform.
07 - Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked egg noodles in the bottom, followed by half the sour cream-cottage cheese mixture, then half the beef mixture. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
08 - Evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer.
09 - Place casserole dish uncovered in preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the surface is golden and bubbling.
10 - Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before portioning.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy layers and golden cheese on top are sneakily reminiscent of lasagna, but way easier to pull together when you want something hearty with little fuss.
- Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day, which means future-you will thank present-you for doubling up.
02 -
- If you layer the noodles while they’re piping hot, the cheese at the bottom gets way too melty—let them cool just a touch first.
- Letting the casserole rest is not optional—the slices hold together better and won’t collapse on your plate.
03 -
- Layering the cottage cheese and sour cream mixture evenly prevents dry bites.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the beef for a little zing, if you’re feeling bold.