There’s just something about comfort food that warms the soul, isn’t there? I remember growing up, my family would gather around the table every Sunday, and the aroma of something bubbling away in the oven filled the house with love and laughter. One dish that always stole the show was my mom’s Beef Lombardi Casserole. It’s this glorious layered creation, packed with hearty pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese, that made each bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you dig into this dish, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite! It’s perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds—maybe even thirds! So, let’s get cooking and bring those warm memories to life.
Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this comforting Beef Lombardi Casserole, and I promise it’s super straightforward! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a less greasy dish. Make sure to brown it well for that delicious flavor!
- 2 cups uncooked pasta: I love using medium shells or rotini, but any pasta will do. Just cook it al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: This adds a rich tomato flavor; feel free to choose your favorite brand or even homemade if you have it on hand.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: I recommend using fresh mozzarella for that gooey, melty goodness that stretches with each bite.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: This adds creaminess and a lovely texture. I prefer using small curd, but whatever you have works!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that extra cheesy top layer, this is a must! It gives a nice nuttiness.
- 1 onion, chopped: A small to medium onion adds flavor and sweetness; sauté it with the beef for the best taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key! It brings a wonderful aroma that makes your kitchen smell divine.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives that classic Italian flavor. You can adjust to your taste!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season as you go for the best flavor!
That’s it! With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a deliciously layered casserole that everyone will love.
How to Prepare Beef Lombardi Casserole
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this Beef Lombardi Casserole to life! I promise it’s easier than it looks, and the result is so worth it. Let’s dive into the steps:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect bubbly cheese topping!
- While the oven is heating, cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want that beef to be nicely browned and the onion to be translucent.
- Next, stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld those flavors together.
- Now, it’s time to layer! In a baking dish, start with half of the cooked pasta as your base. Next, spread half of the beef mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the cottage cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat those layers, finishing with the remaining beef mixture. Top it all off with the grated Parmesan cheese for that golden finish.
- Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible!
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. Trust me, it’ll be hard to wait, but it’s worth it to let those flavors settle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is a dish that truly delights the senses, and here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this hearty meal in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheeses creates a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Each layer of pasta, beef, and cheese makes this casserole not only filling but also comforting—a true crowd-pleaser!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or a quick lunch.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into this delicious dish—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Trust me, once you serve this up, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
To truly make your Beef Lombardi Casserole shine, I’ve got some handy tips that will elevate your dish to the next level!
- Choose the Right Pasta: While I love shells or rotini, feel free to experiment! Penne or fusilli can also work beautifully. Just remember to cook it al dente so it holds up during baking.
- Mix Up the Cheeses: Try adding ricotta for an extra creamy layer! You can also swap out the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to amp up the nutrition and flavor. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies!
- Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. It makes the casserole look fancy!
- Serve with a Side: Pair your casserole with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
With these tips, you’ll not only make a delicious casserole, but you’ll impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s nice to know what you’re fueling your body with, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of Beef Lombardi Casserole:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 10g, Unsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0g)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g)
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. But hey, when you’re enjoying a dish this delicious, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
FAQ about Beef Lombardi Casserole
Got questions about making the perfect Beef Lombardi Casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that pop up:
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love the texture of medium shells or rotini, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni will work just fine. Just remember to cook it al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven!
How can I make this dish healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt for a protein boost and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Sneaking in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers can also enhance the nutrition without sacrificing flavor!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can definitely freeze leftovers! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until warmed through. Easy peasy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Beef Lombardi Casserole properly ensures that you can enjoy those delicious leftovers later! Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’s best to store it in the fridge where it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you’re feeling extra organized, you can also freeze the casserole. Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option—just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out. Enjoy those cozy flavors all over again!
Drucken
Beef Lombardi Casserole: 7 Steps to Heartwarming Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 55 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty dish made with layers of pasta, ground beef, and cheese.
Zutaten
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef, onion, and garlic.
- Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta, then half of the beef mixture.
- Add half of the cottage cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers and top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- This dish can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 400
- Zucker: 6g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: beef, casserole, pasta, cheese, Italian
