Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort dish: Beef Lombardi Casserole! This hearty, flavorful casserole is loaded with ground beef, pasta, and plenty of gooey cheese, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want something delicious and satisfying. Trust me, the aroma of this dish bubbling away in the oven is enough to make everyone gather around the kitchen. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the moments that matter. Seriously, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Beef Lombardi Casserole
Now, let’s get cooking! Preparing this Beef Lombardi Casserole is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake!
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Brown the beef until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows all those rich flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Once that’s done, fold in the cooked pasta. Give it a good stir so everything is combined, and the pasta is nice and coated in that delicious sauce.
- Now, transfer this hearty mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese—yum!
- Finally, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; the smell will be irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty ingredients like ground beef and pasta create a filling meal everyone will enjoy.
- Cheesy goodness that melts in your mouth, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.
- One-pot dish means less cleanup, so you can spend more time with family.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or pasta variations, so you can make it your own.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick lunch.
Tips for Success
To make your Beef Lombardi Casserole truly shine, here are some pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to swap out the ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. For an extra flavor boost, sauté some bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion and garlic. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream before baking. And remember, let your casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking; this helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier. Trust me, these little tweaks can take your dish to the next level!
Variations
The beauty of Beef Lombardi Casserole is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to make it your own. For pasta, try using penne, shells, or even whole wheat varieties for a healthier twist. Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or even zucchini to add color and nutrition. When it comes to cheese, feel free to experiment! Mozzarella gives a wonderful stretchiness, while pepper jack adds a kick of spice. You could even mix in a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Beef Lombardi Casserole is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the casserole in for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re short on time, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, but the oven gives you that lovely, bubbly texture we all love!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for a serving of Beef Lombardi Casserole, which is about 1 cup. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g
This delicious casserole is not only comforting but also provides a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal option for the whole family!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It’ll work just as well in this Beef Lombardi Casserole.
What type of pasta works best?
I love using elbow macaroni or penne, but really, any pasta you have on hand will do the trick! Just make sure it’s cooked before mixing it in.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
How do I know when it’s done?
Look for that beautiful melted cheese and a bubbly sauce around the edges—this means it’s ready to serve!
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers not only boosts the nutrition but also adds a lovely flavor!
Beef Lombardi Casserole: 2 Comforting Ways to Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Kalorienarme
Beschreibung
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and cheese.
Zutaten
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pasta.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 18g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: beef lombardi casserole, ground beef casserole, pasta casserole
