Beef Lombardi Casserole

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Beef Lombardi Casserole is a tasty meal that’s easy to make. This hearty dish feeds 8 people and takes less than an hour to prepare and cook. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd.

The casserole has layers of beef, noodles, and cheese. You’ll love the mix of flavors from the ground beef, tomatoes, and spices. The creamy pasta layer and melty cheese on top make it extra yummy. It’s comfort food that will make your whole family happy.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Beef Lombardi Casserole:

Beef Mixture:

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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

Topping:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Don’t forget to grab some extra parsley for garnish. With these ingredients, you’ll be ready to create a mouth-watering casserole that serves 8 people.

Remember to check your pantry for staples like salt and pepper. If you like spicy food, make sure to include those red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook 8 oz of wide egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown 1 1/2 lbs ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Mix in drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomatoes with green chilies. Add salt, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then.

In a large bowl, mix sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Gently fold in the cooked noodles.

Layer half the pasta mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half the beef mixture. Repeat layers.

Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your tasty Beef Lombardi Casserole!

Possible Substitutes List

Want to switch things up in your Beef Lombardi Casserole? Here are some tasty substitutes you can try:

Meat options:

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish
• Italian sausage for extra flavor
• Vegetarian crumbles for a meatless version

Pasta alternatives:

• Penne or rotini for a different texture
• Whole wheat noodles for added fiber
• Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option

Cheese swaps:

• Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella
• Pepper Jack for a spicy kick
• Ricotta in place of cottage cheese

Veggie additions:

• Bell peppers for extra crunch
• Mushrooms for an earthy flavor
• Spinach for added nutrition

You can also try different spices to change up the flavor profile. Taco seasoning or Greek seasoning can give your casserole a new twist. Remember to adjust cooking times if needed when using substitutes.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this Beef Lombardi Casserole more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Start by using lean ground beef or ground turkey to cut down on fat.

Replace regular egg noodles with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. These options have more fiber and fewer carbs.

Cut back on cheese. Use reduced-fat versions and sprinkle less on top. You can also mix in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

Boost the veggie content. Add extra diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture. This adds nutrients and fiber while reducing the carb count per serving.

Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It has more protein and less fat. You can also use low-fat cottage cheese.

Watch your portion sizes. Serve yourself a smaller amount and pair it with a big side salad. This helps control carb intake while still enjoying the dish.

Remember to check with your doctor or dietitian about how this recipe fits into your meal plan. They can give you personalized advice on making it work for you.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make sure to drain the beef well after cooking. This prevents your casserole from getting too greasy.

For the best flavor, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded. It melts better and tastes yummier!

You can prep this dish ahead of time. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, put a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

Want to freeze some for later? No problem! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To jazz things up, try adding some veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!

Remember to let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.