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Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole – Easy, Cheesy & Comforting

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole fresh from the oven
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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)
  • 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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

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

6. In the skillet, combine the drained macaroni with the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well-coated.

7. Transfer half of the beef and macaroni mixture to a greased 9×13-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.

8. 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.

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

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.

Add a layer of ricotta cheese for a more lasagna-like texture.

This casserole freezes well—cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/hearty-beef-lombardi-casserole/