Oh, let me tell you about my delicious beef lombardi casserole! This dish is pure comfort food, and it warms my heart with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas while being so simple to whip up. I remember my grandmother making a similar casserole on chilly Sunday afternoons, and the whole family would gather around the table, eagerly waiting for that first scoop. The blend of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and gooey cheese is just unbeatable! Trust me, once you try this hearty casserole, it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for any night of the week. It’s packed with flavor, and the best part? It’s easy to make!
Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients to create your beef lombardi casserole. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing that hearty flavor to life. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly flavorful. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start cooking—it’ll make the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Beef Lombardi Casserole
Now, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy beef lombardi casserole that everyone will love!
Preheat and Brown
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want that cheese to melt perfectly later on! While that’s warming up, grab a large skillet and add your ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s all nice and golden, drain any excess fat. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Combine Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring in the rest of our ingredients! Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet, stirring everything together. Now, toss in the elbow macaroni and sprinkle that Italian seasoning on top. Give it a good stir and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Bake and Serve
Once the mixture is nice and simmered, transfer it to your favorite baking dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle that shredded cheese generously on top—this is where the magic happens! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that gorgeous golden cheese and can’t resist diving in!
Tips for Success
To make sure your beef lombardi casserole turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! First, don’t be shy with the seasonings—taste as you go! If you love a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works beautifully instead of beef. Also, feel free to sneak in some veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them up and toss them in with the beef while it cooks. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, and you want that cheese just perfectly melted and bubbly, not overdone. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s always good to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for a serving of beef lombardi casserole:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to adjust based on your personal dietary needs! Enjoy your hearty meal, knowing it’s not just delicious but also filling!
FAQ About Beef Lombardi Casserole
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works wonderfully in this beef lombardi casserole. It’ll still give you that hearty texture, but with less fat. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey tends to cook a bit faster than beef. You can even mix it up with ground chicken or lean pork if you’re feeling adventurous!
What can I add for more nutrition?
Great question! There are so many delicious ways to boost the nutrition in your casserole. Consider adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini. They’ll blend right into the dish and add color, flavor, and extra vitamins. Just toss them in with the beef as it cooks, and you’ll hardly notice they’re there—except for the added yumminess, of course!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let the casserole cool down to room temperature before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You might want to cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good the second time around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly nights.
- Kid-friendly appeal—everyone at the table will love it!
- One-pot meal means less cleanup—always a win!
- Flexibility to customize with your favorite veggies or meats.
- Rich, comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious beef lombardi casserole ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! The right sides can really elevate your meal and make it a complete feast. Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the hearty casserole. It adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Who can resist warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s fantastic for scooping up the cheesy goodness from your casserole. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just pop some bread in the oven!
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans add a pop of color and nutrition. They’re light and keep the focus on that flavorful casserole while providing some healthy greens!
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a nice crunch and a bit of zing to your plate. The creaminess of the slaw pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the casserole.
- Roasted Potatoes: If you want to go all out, try serving some crispy roasted potatoes on the side. Season them with herbs for extra flavor; they’re a perfect hearty addition!
Mix and match these sides based on your mood or what you have on hand. Trust me, your beef lombardi casserole will shine even brighter when paired with these delightful accompaniments! Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying your beef lombardi casserole again! If you find yourself with some delicious casserole left over (which is rare, but it happens!), let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This way, it’ll stay fresh and tasty in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to keep out any unwanted odors!
When it’s time to dig in again, reheating is a breeze. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in a baking dish. If you want to keep the cheese from browning too much while it warms up, cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you like your cheese extra melty and bubbly, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t get too browned!
This way, your beef lombardi casserole will taste just as good as it did the first time around—comforting and full of flavor. Enjoy every bite again!
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole: 7 Comforting Family Favorites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty beef lombardi casserole packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Stir in elbow macaroni and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: beef lombardi casserole, casserole recipes, ground beef dishes
