Go Back
In the world of comfort food, few dishes evoke nostalgia and satisfaction quite like a hearty casserole. Casseroles have long been a staple in family kitchens, renowned for their simplicity and ability to bring people together. Among the many varieties, the Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole stands out as a quintessential comfort dish, perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely Sunday dinners. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also brimming with flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy a wholesome meal.

Beef Lombardi Casserole

Experience the joys of family mealtime with the Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole, a comforting dish that everyone will love. This delicious casserole features layers of savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a blend of melted cheeses, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners. Explore the step-by-step guide to create this satisfying meal that brings warmth to any table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 cup beef broth

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

      Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

        Combine Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.

          Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

            Mix Everything Together: In the skillet, combine the drained macaroni with the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well-coated.

              Layer the Casserole: Transfer half of the beef and macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese on top. Layer the remaining beef mixture and finish with the rest of the cheeses.

                Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once done, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley as desired, then slice and serve.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 55 mins | 6 servings