Beef Lombardi Casserole – A Hearty Italian-American Classic
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting and savory Italian-American classic that brings together tender ground beef, pasta, rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese. This hearty casserole is a crowd-pleaser and the perfect choice for a satisfying family dinner. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating this delicious Beef Lombardi Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the Beef Lombardi Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked penne pasta.
- Spread the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the pasta.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef mixture.
- Add the remaining penne pasta, followed by the remaining cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cook’s Notes:
- Variations: Customize your Beef Lombardi Casserole by adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a practical and delicious option for meal prep.
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a timeless and mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of Italian-American cuisine. With layers of pasta, a savory beef mixture, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s a surefire hit at any family gathering or dinner table. Enjoy the satisfying flavors of this Beef Lombardi Casserole!
