Short Description

A hearty and cheesy casserole layering seasoned ground beef with creamy noodles and finished with a golden cheese topping—this dish is comfort food at its finest, perfect for feeding the family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-one meal: Combines protein, pasta, and cheesy goodness in a single dish
Bold flavor: Tomato, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and green chilies create a savory and slightly spicy profile
Creamy texture: Sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan provide a smooth, luscious base
Satisfying and easy: Bakes under an hour and yields generous portions for leftovers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef Mixture

1½ lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (10–14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Pasta Layer

8 oz wide egg noodles
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For the Topping

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat and cook noodles
Preheat oven to 350 °F. Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
Prepare beef mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Add tomatoes and seasonings
Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomatoes with chilies. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix creamy pasta layer
In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and parsley. Gently fold in the cooked noodles until evenly coated.
Layer casserole
In a 9×13″ baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the beef mixture. Repeat with remaining pasta and beef. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top.
Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings And Timing

Yields 6–8 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes prep on stovetop + 30–35 minutes baking
Total time: Approximately 55 minutes

Variations

Meat swap: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavor
Veggie boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture
Spicy version: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños
Cheese variations: Substitute Pepper Jack or Colby Jack for cheddar; mix ricotta with cottage cheese for creamier texture
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free noodles and check canned ingredients for gluten

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze individual portions (without cheese topping) in airtight containers for up to 2 months
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350 °F for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through
- Microwave: Warm individual portions in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring halfway
- To refresh cheese layer, sprinkle a little extra cheese and broil briefly

FAQs

How spicy is this casserole?
By default it’s mildly spiced. Use red pepper flakes and green chilies for a gentle heat; omit flakes for a milder version.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate the casserole (without baking) up to a day ahead. Bake when ready.

Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or rotini work well—just cook to al dente.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze after baking or unbaked (cover tightly). Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Can I omit cottage cheese?
Yes—use extra sour cream or ricotta for similar creaminess, though texture may shift slightly.

What can I serve it with?
Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Is it gluten-free?
Not as written. Use gluten-free pasta and verify gluten-free status of canned tomatoes and seasonings.

Can I reduce the cheese?
Yes—use less cheddar and mozzarella, or swap some cheese for breadcrumbs on top.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes—mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into either the beef or pasta layer.

Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and not too spicy—kids typically enjoy this comforting casserole.

Conclusion

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, creamy pasta, and melted cheese in a flavorful baked casserole—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or comfort food cravings. With easy tweaks to meat, spice, and vegetables, this versatile recipe is sure to become a household favorite.