Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole
A warm and satisfying casserole filled with seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (13.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed olive oil for cooking Use a splash for cooking the beef.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In the skillet with the beef, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the meat mixture, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
Assembly
- In a greased baking dish, pour half of the pasta-meat mixture, sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
- Finish with the rest of the cheese.
Cooking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For ingredient substitutions, consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can use gluten-free pasta if desired. To add heat, include red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze before baking for up to 2 months.