If you are craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal that never fails to satisfy, then the Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe is the ultimate dish to add to your dinner rotation. This casserole effortlessly brings together a perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender rice, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Every bite bursts with rich flavors and a cozy vibe that will have everyone around the table asking for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe delivers warm, home-cooked goodness with ease and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the foundation of this recipe, each one playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From savory ground beef to the creamy cheeses that make this casserole ooey-gooey, here’s what you’ll want to gather before starting your delicious journey.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base for hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Boosts the savory profile with its unmistakable punch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the tomato and beef components together seamlessly.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Infuses moisture and a fresh, tangy brightness.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce and enriches the tomato base.
- 1 cup cooked long grain white rice: Provides a fluffy, comforting bed for the beef mixture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the savory elements.
- ½ cup cottage cheese: Boosts the creamy texture with a mild flavor and extra protein.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp, melty richness in every bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a gooey, stretchy cheese layer that everyone loves.
- 2 green onions (sliced): For a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the dish.
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing: Prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Cook the Beef
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Then, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This step is key because well-browned beef brings that deep, savory flavor to your casserole.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
After the beef is browned, add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful aromas. This softens the onions and mellows the garlic, creating an aromatic base that enhances the entire dish.
Step 3: Season and Simmer the Beef Mixture
Now is the time to season your beef mix with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce next. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, setting the stage for a truly comforting casserole.
Step 4: Combine the Creamy Rice Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked long grain white rice with the sour cream and cottage cheese. This creamy rice layer will serve as the base in your baking dish, offering a soft, tangy contrast to the savory beef topping.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the rice mixture evenly along the bottom of your greased dish. Then, spoon the warm beef mixture on top, spreading it in an even layer. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the casserole. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This final bake melds all components together perfectly.
How to Serve Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Once your casserole is fresh out of the oven, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh crunch. This little touch elevates the presentation and adds a subtle oniony brightness that complements the richness of the casseroles beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The fresh, light flavors and crunchy textures of the sides balance the cheesy, hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This makes portions look special and allows for easy serving while keeping the cozy style intact. Even a simple sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes can add a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe should be cooled completely and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or quick reheats after busy days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Freezing allows you to enjoy this delicious recipe whenever the craving hits without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or place the whole dish in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes. For that lovely melted cheese finish, remove the foil in the last few minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the brown rice is fully cooked ahead of time since it takes longer to cook than white rice. It will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber to the dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or even hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils to keep it vegetarian while maintaining a meaty texture.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy days or entertaining guests without last-minute pressure.
What can I add to make this Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe spicier?
Try stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced green chiles when simmering the beef mixture. This adds a lovely, subtle heat that wakes up the flavors without overpowering the dish.
How do I ensure the cheese layer doesn’t burn during baking?
Cover the casserole loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove the foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes to let the cheese brown beautifully without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe has a way of becoming a comforting staple in any home kitchen, thanks to its simple ingredients and irresistibly cheesy, hearty flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole never disappoints. I truly hope you find as much joy in making and savoring it as I have over many cozy dinners shared with loved ones.
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Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Beef Lombardi is a comforting American casserole featuring a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and cheeses layered over creamy rice. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this cheesy beef bake combines savory ingredients with a melty cheese topping, garnished with fresh green onions for a delicious and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup cooked long grain white rice
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup cottage cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
Other
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Season and simmer: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then add the diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop flavor and meld the ingredients.
- Mix the rice base: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice, sour cream, and cottage cheese until evenly mixed.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the rice mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked beef mixture over the rice.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the beef layer, creating a cheesy, melty topping.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dish is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Beef Lombardi casserole.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it convenient for busy days.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced green chiles to the beef mixture during cooking.
- Use a blend of cheeses or substitute with your favorite varieties for a different flavor profile.
