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Beef Lombardi Casserole Dish: A Hearty and Delicious Family Favorite


  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

This Beef and Macaroni Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish featuring ground beef, pasta, and a delicious blend of cheeses, all baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, if necessary.
  6. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. While the beef mixture is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  8. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
  9. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set aside.
  10. Once the beef mixture has simmered for about 10 minutes, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  11. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  13. In a large casserole dish (approximately 9×13 inches), spread half of the beef and macaroni mixture evenly across the bottom.
  14. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese over the first layer.
  15. Layer the remaining beef and macaroni mixture on top of the cheese.
  16. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
  17. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from escaping.
  18. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  19. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  20. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
  21. Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
  22. Serve hot, and consider pairing it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  23. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider using ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20, which will add richness to the dish.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes