This Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole is a hearty dish made with ground beef, pasta, and plenty of cheesy goodness. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
What’s great is how simple it is to prepare. Just mix, layer, and bake! I love serving this with a side salad—perfect for leftovers, too! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the casserole. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, consider using lentils or a meat alternative like tempeh.
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne works best due to their shape, which holds onto the sauce. If you prefer, you can use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta to make it healthier.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Both add moisture and flavor. You can use homemade sauce or any jarred sauce you like. For a fresh take, consider adding some crushed fresh tomatoes if they’re in season.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives that gooey texture, while Parmesan adds sharpness. Try substituting with cheddar for a different flavor or a dairy-free cheese for a plant-based version.
Ricotta Cheese: This is optional but adds creaminess. If you don’t have ricotta, you can blend some cottage cheese with a little bit of seasoning for a similar effect.
How Do You Ensure Perfect Layering in a Casserole?
Layering correctly is key to a great casserole. Start by making a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Then, layer your cooked pasta, meat sauce, and cheese evenly to ensure every bite has a good mix of flavors.
- Use half of each component—pasta, sauce, and cheese—for the first layer.
- When adding the ricotta, spoon it in dollops so it mixes well as it bakes.
- For the top layer, finish with plenty of cheese for a delicious golden crust.
Your casserole will bake beautifully, creating warm, gooey layers for everyone to enjoy!
Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 35 minutes to bake. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente (not too soft!). When it’s done, drain it well and set aside.
3. Brown the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking!
4. Add the Sauces:
Mix in the tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes so all the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Layer the Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, add half of the cooked pasta on top of that, followed by half of the meat sauce. If you’re using ricotta cheese, drop spoonfuls of it on top, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the process with the remaining pasta and meat sauce, topping it with the rest of the cheeses for that perfect, cheesy finish!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley or basil for a nice touch. Enjoy this comforting and delicious Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Beef Lombardi Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works perfectly in this recipe. Just be mindful that it may require less cooking time, so keep an eye on it while browning.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative like tempeh or crumbled tofu. Just make sure to season it well for added flavor!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
