Oh boy, let me tell you about my love for beef Lombardi casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, packed with hearty layers of flavor that just make my heart sing. I remember the first time I made it for my family; it was a chaotic weeknight, and I needed something quick yet satisfying. The moment it came out of the oven, bubbling with melted cheese, everyone was gathered around the table, eagerly waiting. It’s the ultimate comfort food—ground beef, cheesy goodness, and a medley of beans and pasta all baked together. Trust me, once you try this beef Lombardi casserole, it’ll become a staple in your home, too!
Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups cheese, shredded (I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra creaminess!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Beef Lombardi Casserole
Preheat and Cook the Beef
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Add your 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. You’ll want to drain any excess fat, but don’t worry if there’s a little left—it adds flavor! Now, toss in your chopped onion and let it cook with the beef for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
Now that we’ve got our beef and onion all cooked and cozy, it’s time to mix in the rest of the ingredients! Stir in the can of undrained diced tomatoes and the rinsed kidney beans. Then, add in the uncooked elbow macaroni, garlic powder, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all those flavors meld together beautifully, and the macaroni will start to soften just a bit.
Bake the Casserole
Once everything is nicely combined and simmered, transfer that delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Now for the best part—top it with your shredded cheese, creating a lovely cheesy blanket over the casserole. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and maybe even a little golden on top. Just try to resist the urge to dive in before it cools down a bit—trust me, the cheese can be quite a hot mess!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a hearty, one-dish meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or the whole family.
- Loaded with flavor from ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese, every bite is a delight!
- Super easy to make—just brown the beef, mix the ingredients, and let the oven do the work!
- Quick prep time means you can have dinner on the table in about 50 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s versatile! Feel free to swap in different proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prepping or lunch!
- Kids love it—what’s not to love about cheesy pasta and beef all in one dish?
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your beef Lombardi casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you nail it:
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time when browning the ground beef. A nice golden color adds depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Check your pasta: Make sure to use uncooked elbow macaroni. It’ll soak up all those yummy juices while baking, making it perfectly tender.
- Customize your cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese! A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella gives a wonderful flavor. You could also try pepper jack for a little kick!
- Beans are optional: If kidney beans aren’t your thing, you can swap them out for black beans or even chickpeas. Just rinse and drain them well!
- Season to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A little extra chili powder can really amp up the flavor!
- Cover if needed: If your cheese is browning too quickly, you can cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent it from burning.
- Let it rest: Once your casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely and makes it easier to scoop!
Variations of Beef Lombardi Casserole
One of the best things about my beef Lombardi casserole is how flexible it is! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It’ll still be delicious and packed with flavor!
- Veggie-Loaded: Add a mix of your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients for extra nutrition.
- Pasta Switch-Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, try different pasta shapes like penne, shells, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
- Spicy Kick: Spice things up by adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. It’ll give your casserole a nice heat that’s oh-so-tasty!
- Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of spice or gouda for a smoky flavor. The cheesier, the better, right?
- Meatless Option: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat entirely and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for that hearty texture.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before baking for a pop of freshness that brightens up the dish!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own signature beef Lombardi casserole. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my beef Lombardi casserole! This hearty dish not only satisfies your cravings but also packs a decent nutritional punch. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use or if you make any substitutions. For example, using a leaner ground turkey instead of beef can reduce the fat content, while adding more cheese will bump up the calories. So feel free to adjust as it suits your dietary needs! Enjoy your delicious and filling casserole guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my beef Lombardi casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my trusty answers:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great! You can even go meatless by using lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly based on your choice!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to let it cool down before sealing it up. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but just be careful to stir it every couple of minutes to heat evenly and avoid any hot spots!
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! This casserole is super versatile. Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just make sure to chop them small and give them a quick sauté before mixing them in to ensure they cook through.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This beef Lombardi casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, a fresh side salad or some garlic bread pairs beautifully. You could also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or some avocado slices for an extra creamy touch!
Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Oh, absolutely! Kids love this dish because it’s cheesy, flavorful, and fun to eat. You might even find them going back for seconds! It’s a perfect way to sneak in some protein and carbs while keeping them happy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious beef Lombardi casserole fresh for your next meal! First off, once you’ve enjoyed your feast, let the leftovers cool down a bit before storing them. This helps prevent condensation, which can make things a little soggy.
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 4 days, so you can enjoy the cozy flavors again soon! If you want to save it for a longer haul, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, the best method is to pop it back in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to avoid burning the cheese. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave portions, but be sure to stir it every couple of minutes to heat evenly. Just keep an eye on it so you don’t get any hot spots! Trust me, you want every bite to be just as tasty as when it first came out of the oven.
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole 2: Comfort Food Happiness Awaits
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty beef Lombardi casserole with layers of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in tomatoes, beans, macaroni, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Serve with a side salad.
- Can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef lombardi casserole, casserole recipes, beef recipes
