If comfort food had a superstar, it would have to be this delightful Beef Lombardi Casserole with Cheesy Egg Noodles Recipe. Imagine tender ground beef simmered with a rich, tangy tomato and chili sauce, layered over pillowy, creamy egg noodles enveloped in a luscious blend of sour cream and cream cheese, and topped with bubbling, golden Colby Jack cheese. This dish combines heartiness and cheesy goodness in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether cooking for your family or impressing friends, this casserole is an absolute winner that delivers satisfying flavor and filling comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet flavorful, each ingredient in this Beef Lombardi Casserole with Cheesy Egg Noodles Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that come together perfectly in the final dish.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and enhances the savory notes of the beef.
- Lean ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth, balancing the boldness of the spices and tomato paste.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds a robust, slightly sweet tang to the sauce.
- Garlic: Offers aromatic warmth and a subtle punch that elevates the beef mixture.
- Italian seasoning: Introduces herbaceous notes that complement the tomatoes and beef seamlessly.
- Diced tomatoes & chilies: Adds juiciness with a hint of heat, creating a vibrant sauce base.
- Celery salt: Gives a subtle, aromatic saltiness that layers well with the other spices.
- Egg noodles: The soft, tender foundation that soaks up all the creamy and savory flavors beautifully.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess with a pleasant tang that balances the richness.
- Cream cheese: Blends smoothly for a velvety texture and mild cheesiness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the cheese mixture slightly, making it cling perfectly to the noodles.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that delivers melty, savory satisfaction.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole with Cheesy Egg Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, which sets the stage for those savory browned flavors. Add the chopped onion and lean ground beef, cooking them together until the beef is perfectly browned and the onions are tender, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper here, as it infuses the meat mixture with balanced seasoning right from the start.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Next, stir in the tomato paste – this little can packs a huge flavorful punch – along with the minced garlic, your Italian seasoning, a dash of celery salt, and the drained diced tomatoes with chilies. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld into a rich, tangy base that’s just begging to be spooned over noodles.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
While that sauce is working its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles for exactly 3 minutes — yes, just a quick blanch — so that they’ll be tender but not mushy after baking. Drain them carefully, reserving 2 cups of that starchy cooking water, an unsung hero for creating the creamy cheese mixture.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and half a cup of the reserved noodle water. Whisk until smooth and velvety, then fold in the cooked noodles along with the remaining noodle water. This step is the secret behind those irresistibly creamy, cheesy noodles that hold all the flavor in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and pour in your luscious noodle mixture, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Layer the hearty beef sauce evenly on top, then lavishly sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over everything. Pop it into the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C), baking for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown beautifully, promising every bite will be packed with gooey, flavorful goodness.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole with Cheesy Egg Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra pop of freshness and color, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A small dollop of sour cream can add a creamy tang, and if you love a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes or finely diced fresh jalapeños can awaken the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh side salads like a tangy Caesar or simple mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette. For something heartier, steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add color and balance, making the meal feel complete without overshadowing the star of the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Beef Lombardi Casserole with Cheesy Egg Noodles Recipe straight from the baking dish family-style for cozy gatherings, or portion it into individual ramekins for a special dinner presentation. You can also garnish each plate with a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce for that personalized touch that guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain that cheesy moisture and fresh flavor. It’s a perfect pre-made meal that tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to mingle.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish way ahead of time, freezing works like a charm. Freeze the casserole in a properly sealed container for up to 3 months. To avoid texture loss, it’s best to freeze before baking if you plan on storing long term, but fully baked leftovers freeze well too once cooled completely.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to maintain the melty cheese texture and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture locked in, heating in short bursts while stirring in between if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack provides a mild, creamy melt, you can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack to tailor the casserole’s flavor to your taste preferences.
Is it okay to use regular tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes & chilies?
You can use plain diced tomatoes, but adding chilies brings a subtle kick that really elevates the overall flavor profile. If you prefer less heat, opt for mild diced tomatoes or adjust the spice level with separate seasonings.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and consider using vegetable broth to boost the sauce’s depth. The cheesy noodle layer remains lush and satisfying without the meat.
How long does this casserole take to bake?
The casserole needs 25 to 30 minutes in a 350°F oven to get the cheese melted, bubbly, and golden. This timing ensures everything is heated through evenly while creating that irresistible crust on top.
Can I prepare this Beef Lombardi Casserole with Cheesy Egg Noodles Recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal when hosting or preparing for a busy day.
Final Thoughts
Making the Beef Lombardi Casserole with Cheesy Egg Noodles Recipe is like crafting a cherished classic that brings everyone around the table. The blend of seasoned beef, creamy cheesy noodles, and melted golden topping creates a harmonious and satisfying dish that’s perfect any time comfort food calls your name. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the warm, delicious magic for yourself!
Print
Beef Lombardi Casserole with Cheesy Egg Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Beef Lombardi recipe combines lean ground beef simmered with savory spices and tomato paste, folded into partially cooked egg noodles and a creamy cheese mixture, then baked to bubbly perfection with melted Colby Jack cheese on top. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this one-dish casserole offers rich flavors balanced by a creamy texture and a nice cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons (3 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes & chilies (like Ro-Tel), drained
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 1 (12 oz) package egg noodles
- 1 ¼ cups sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Make Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, celery salt, and the drained diced tomatoes with chilies. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until some of the liquid reduces and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook Noodles: While the beef sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for only 3 minutes to keep them slightly undercooked. Drain the noodles, reserving 2 cups of the cooking water for later use.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, softened cream cheese, cornstarch, and ½ cup of the reserved noodle water until smooth and fully combined. Stir in the partially cooked noodles along with the remaining reserved noodle water to create a creamy noodle mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour in the noodle and cheese mixture. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. Evenly spread the beef sauce mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown.
Notes
- Do not fully cook the egg noodles before baking; slightly undercooking prevents them from becoming mushy after baking.
- Draining the canned tomatoes and chilies helps prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with mozzarella or a mild cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing into the sour cream.
- Reserve the noodle cooking water to add moisture and help blend the cheese mixture smoothly with the noodles.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
