There’s just something so comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole, don’t you think? My go-to for a cozy weeknight dinner is definitely this beef lombardi casserole. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. Layers of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and melty mozzarella come together in perfect harmony, making it a family favorite. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together! Trust me, once you make this hearty beef lombardi casserole, it’ll become a staple in your home too.
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to making the most delicious beef lombardi casserole!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked pasta (I love using elbow macaroni or rotini!)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and comfort that you won’t be able to resist. Feel free to get creative with the pasta or cheese if you want to switch things up a bit!
How to Prepare Beef Lombardi Casserole
Making this beef lombardi casserole is super straightforward, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen! Let’s dive right in.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to achieving that perfectly bubbly casserole!
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. This step fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
- Next, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Now, it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is evenly coated in that delicious sauce.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the beef mixture on the bottom, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over it. Repeat this step with the remaining beef mixture and finish with the last of the mozzarella on top.
- Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is golden and bubbly—trust me, it’s hard to resist that sight!
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite of your homemade beef lombardi casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef lombardi casserole is sure to become a favorite for so many reasons! Here are just a few of the things I adore about it:
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and satisfying, it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
- Layers of beef, pasta, and gooey cheese that are simply irresistible.
- Family-friendly and customizable, everyone can add their favorite ingredients.
- One-dish meal means less cleanup—yay for that!
Honestly, what’s not to love? You’ll find yourself making this casserole again and again!
Tips for Success
To make your beef lombardi casserole truly shine, here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way! First, make sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef after browning it; this will keep your casserole from being too oily. If you want an extra flavor boost, try sautéing the garlic and onion before adding the meat—this brings out their sweetness! For serving, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps the layers hold together and makes for prettier slices. And don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this hearty beef lombardi casserole: about 350 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust as needed for your dietary preferences!
FAQ Section
Can I make this beef lombardi casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works wonderfully. You could also try using a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian twist!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven.
What type of pasta works best?
I recommend using elbow macaroni or rotini, but feel free to experiment with any pasta shape you love! Just make sure it’s cooked al dente first.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Your beef lombardi casserole is done when the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this beef lombardi casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, go ahead and freeze it! Just make sure it’s wrapped securely to prevent freezer burn, and it should last up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly again. You could even pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just be sure to cover it to keep it moist!
Z nadrukami
Beef Lombardi Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers of Joy
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
A hearty beef lombardi casserole featuring layers of beef, pasta, and cheese.
Składniki
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked pasta.
- Layer half of the beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the beef.
- Add the remaining beef mixture on top.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Uwagi
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Casserole
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 6g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: beef lombardi casserole, casserole recipes, beef recipes
