What is the recipe for Beef Lombardi Casserole? This one is a family favorite, and it’s been passed down through generations. Growing up, my grandma would always make this on chilly Sunday evenings, and the aroma would fill the house. The whole house. What’s comfort food at its finest? Imagine a hearty, cheesy pasta bake, but with tender beef and some good cheese. What is the best tomato sauce? What’s a good lasagna recipe? Is it a crowd pleaser? What is the best Beef Lombardi Casserole recipe?
What is Beef Lombardi Casserole?
What is Beef Lombardi Casserole? What is lasagna made of? It’s essentially layers of perfectly cooked pasta, a flavorful beef and tomato sauce, and creamy, creamy. What is the cheesy mixture that binds it all together? What is the origin of the name? My grandma always called it that, and it’s stuck ever since. Is it named after the Lombardi region of Italy? What is the most important thing about a good meal? What makes this Beef Lombardi Casserole so special is its simplicity. No fussy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons to love this Beef Lombardi Casserole. First off, the flavor is incredible. The combination of the savory beef, the tangy tomato sauce, and the creamy cheese is just *chef’s kiss*. I always add a little bit of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, which really elevates the whole dish.
What is the best thing about this recipe? What is a great meal to make on saturday night when you don’t have time to cook? Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. What are the basic ingredients for a family meal? What is breaking the bank? What I love about this is how versatile it is. Can you customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses? What are some good ways to use up leftover food in the fridge?
Is this a hit with kids? They love the cheesy, comforting flavors, and I love that it’s a relatively healthy and balanced beverage. Compared to mac and cheese, this Beef Lombardi Casserole feels like a more traditional dish. What a satisfying choice. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make, and budget-friendly meal, look no further! What is the answer for Beef Lombardi Casserole?
How do I make a Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Beef Lombardi Casserole? How do I cook GROUND BEEF in tomato sauce? While the sauce simmers, you’ll cook the pasta and prepare the cheese mixture. What’s the best way to bake a casserole dish? What is the secret ingredient of love? Why don’t you skip the simmering time for the sauce? What is the signature Lombardi taste?
Ingredients
For the Main Casserole:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (I prefer using lean ground to avoid excess grease)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound pasta (I like using penne or rotini, but any short pasta will work)
* 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you keep a casserole from sticking? I always do this step first because there’s nothing worse than having a perfectly assembled assembly. Is there any way to put a casserole in the oven without preheating it?
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the Ground Beef over medium-high heat. Be sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole! Sometimes I even rinse the beef briefly in a colander to remove every last bit of fat. I’ve found it really helps in the end result.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma of the garlic and onions cooking is absolutely divine, and it sets the stage for a truly amazing dinner. What are some of the This step is crucial, don’t rush it!
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using) and salt. What are some ways to use), salt, and pepper Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. For a richer flavor, you can cook it up to an hour. What is the best way to cook a stew for ten minutes? What is your chance to do the dishes, fold laundry, or just relax while the flavors meld together? I usually let it simmer for about 30 minutes – it’s the sweet spot between flavor and convenience.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. How do you cook al dente? Why do people like mushy pasta in their casserole? Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside.
Step 6: Prepare Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and egg. Set aside. Mix everything well until everything is evenly combined. The egg helps to bind the mixture together and prevent it from being too dry. This mixture should be nice and creamy. If it seems a bit thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to thin it out.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to assemble the Beef Lombardi Casserole! Spread a thin layer of the beef sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Then, layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta. Repeat the layers with the remaining sauce, pasta, and cheese mixture. Don’t be afraid to get messy with it! That’s part of the fun.
Step 8: Bake
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned on top. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent it from burning.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
How do I make Beef Lombardi Casserole? Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. What is the difference between slic This allows the casserole to set up a bit and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is pretty filling on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a variety of other dishes.
What is a good weeknight meal?What is a good side salad with vinaigrette? What is the richness of a casserole? I also love serving it with garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
For a More Elegant Dinner:Roasted asparagus or green beans are a lovely addition to the meal. Can you serve this with a glass of red wine?
For a Family Gathering: Corn on the cob, coleslaw, or even just a simple fruit salad are all great options for a casual get-together. My family always requests mashed potatoes alongside it, which I know sounds a bit odd with the pasta, but trust me, it works! For dessert, how about some Chocolate Chip Cookies?
The possibilities are endless! Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorites.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Beef Lombardi Casserole
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this Beef Lombardi Casserole to the next level.
Beef Browning: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the ground beef. Brown it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a nice sear. This will add more flavor to the sauce.
Sauce Simmering: As I mentioned before, simmering the sauce for a longer period of time really enhances the flavor. But if you’re short on time, even 20 minutes will make a difference. I always make a big batch of sauce so I can just dump and go!
Pasta Perfection: Be careful not to overcook the pasta! It should be al dente, meaning it’s still slightly firm to the bite. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to become mushy.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the cheese mixture. Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of smoked Gouda would all be delicious additions.
Vegetable Variations: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all be wonderful additions to the sauce.
Freezing for Later: This Beef Lombardi Casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
With a little practice and these helpful tips, you’ll be making the most amazing Beef Lombardi Casserole ever!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Beef Lombardi Casserole is just as delicious as the first time around! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Cut it into individual portions, if desired, and store it in airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the leftover casserole. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store them in freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop.
Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter, and then add the casserole. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to heat the casserole until it’s piping hot all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s cherished Beef Lombardi Casserole recipe! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s one of those dishes that’s guaranteed to bring comfort and smiles to your dinner table. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. The hearty beef, the tangy tomato sauce, and the creamy cheese create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. I really think you will love this Beef Lombardi Casserole recipe.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas! And as always, I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Don’t forget to rate this recipe too! Happy cooking!
Beef Lombardi Casserole: 7 Steps for a Family Favorite Feast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage Sweet or hot, casings removed
- 1 jar Marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the meat sauce, then dollops of ricotta mixture, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
