When it comes to comfort food classics, few dishes hit the spot like a warm, bubbly Beef Lombardi Casserole. Loaded with savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, tangy tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this easy casserole is a weeknight dinner dream come true. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and full of down-home flavor, making it the perfect main dish for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meal prep.

Whether you’re a fan of Amish casserole ground beef egg noodles, or just looking to explore the rich flavors of a classic beef casserole recipe, this dish is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot on your comfort food rotation. If you love dishes like Amish Yumasetti Casserole or Amish hamburger bake, you’ll feel right at home with this one.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, steps, and everything you need to make your own delicious Beef Lombardi Casserole from scratch.

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What Is Beef Lombardi Casserole? A Hearty Blend of Beef, Noodles, and Creamy Layers

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a rich, layered dish traditionally made with ground beef (or minced meat), tomatoes, egg noodles, and a sour cream and cheese topping. Baked to bubbly perfection, this dish offers a satisfying balance of tangy tomato, savory meat, and creamy cheese.

Often compared to Amish-style casseroles like Yumasetti or Shipwreck Casserole, Lombardi adds a slight Italian twist with diced tomatoes and seasonings. It’s a dish that feels both homey and indulgent—a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients for Beef Lombardi Casserole (With Exact Measurements)

This recipe makes approximately 8 servings and can be scaled up for meal prep or leftovers.

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey if preferred)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups uncooked egg noodles
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

These pantry and fridge staples combine to create a savory, saucy casserole that’s rich in both flavor and nostalgia.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need to Prepare This Beef Casserole

To prepare this hearty bake, you’ll need:

A large skillet or sauté pan
A medium saucepan
Mixing bowls
A large spoon or spatula
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil (for covering during baking)
Colander (for draining noodles)

Having everything prepped and ready helps streamline your cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.

While the meat simmers, cook the egg noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth. This will become your creamy layer.

To assemble the casserole, start with a layer of half the noodles in the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the meat mixture on top, followed by half of the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture. Repeat the layers one more time.

Top everything with shredded cheddar cheese and cover the dish with foil.

Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

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Tips for Rich Flavor, Creamy Texture, and Perfect Bake

Use full-fat sour cream and cheese for the richest flavor
Let the beef and tomato mixture simmer so the flavors fully develop
Be sure to cook noodles just until al dente—they’ll continue to soften in the oven
Layering evenly ensures every bite has a balance of meat, noodles, and cheese
Don’t skip the final uncovered bake—it helps brown the top for the perfect finish

Variations: Amish Hamburger Bake, Yumasetti, and Other Classic Casseroles

Beef Lombardi Casserole is a perfect base for fun variations:

Amish Yumasetti Casserole – Swap the tomato mixture for cream of mushroom soup and peas
Amish Hamburger Bake – Use elbow macaroni instead of egg noodles and mix everything together rather than layering
Spicy Southwest Twist – Add diced green chilies and swap cheddar for pepper jack
Veggie-Packed – Stir in sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition
Turkey Version – Use lean ground turkey and low-fat dairy for a lighter dish

These tweaks offer new flavors while staying true to the cozy heart of the original.

Serving Ideas: What to Serve with Beef Lombardi Casserole

This casserole is filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic bread or buttered rolls
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Roasted carrots or cauliflower
Pickled vegetables for contrast

Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing a dish to a gathering, this beefy bake fits right in with your favorite side dishes.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze This Casserole

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual servings until hot.

To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

It’s an ideal choice for freezer meals and make-ahead dinners.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Nights and Batch Cooking

Beef Lombardi Casserole is perfect for meal prep:

Make the meat and tomato mixture a day ahead and store in the fridge
Assemble the entire casserole the night before and bake the next day
Divide into individual foil containers for easy reheating throughout the week
Double the recipe and freeze one for later use

Batch cooking this dish saves time while giving you comforting homemade food ready at a moment’s notice.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on 8 servings:

Calories: 390
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 15% DV

To lighten it up, use lean ground beef, reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, and whole wheat noodles.

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Beef Lombardi Casserole FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can fully assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use other types of meat? Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can be substituted with great results.

Is this casserole kid-friendly? Absolutely—its mild flavors and cheesy layers make it a family favorite.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, plain full-fat Greek yogurt is a good substitute and adds protein.

Can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free egg noodles and check that your tomato products are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts and Invite to Share or Subscribe

Beef Lombardi Casserole is everything we love about comfort food: rich, creamy, meaty, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aroma and brings everyone to the table fast. Whether you’re exploring Amish classics like Yumasetti Casserole or just looking for a simple, satisfying beef dinner, this recipe is a timeless winner.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with fellow casserole lovers, save it to your weeknight dinner board, and subscribe to the blog for more hearty, easy-to-make meals.

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