Beef Lombardi Casserole (Printable)
Layered ground beef, egg noodles, tomatoes and a cottage cheese–sour cream topping, crowned with cheddar and baked until golden.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauces & Seasonings
04 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
05 - 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pasta
10 - 8 ounces egg noodles
→ Dairy
11 - 1 cup sour cream
12 - 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in diced tomatoes with liquid, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
05 - Boil egg noodles in a large saucepan according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth.
07 - Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles, then half of the sour cream-cottage cheese mixture, then half of the beef mixture. Repeat with remaining noodles, dairy mixture, and beef.
08 - Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
09 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
10 - Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to set before serving portions.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day—like a delicious secret waiting in the fridge.
- There’s hardly any fuss, but the result looks and feels like you put in real effort for family or friends.
02 -
- If you skip the resting time, the layers will slide everywhere—I learned that the messy way.
- Using freshly grated cheddar instead of pre-shredded makes the topping melt creamier and taste richer.
03 -
- Browning the beef well before adding the aromatics brings out amazing flavor.
- Resist overcooking the noodles—they’ll finish softening in the oven and keep their texture.