– **Title**: Beef Lombardi Casserole
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cooked pasta (such as egg noodles or penne)
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
– Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, kidney beans, corn, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: It’s the heart of this dish, bringing flavor and protein. Lean ground beef is great, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. These can change the taste slightly but still blend well with other ingredients.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and aroma. If you prefer, you can swap in shallots or even use onion powder in a pinch (1 tablespoon should do). Shallots give a milder flavor that some enjoy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the taste. If you have garlic powder, it can work instead—use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove needed. It won’t have the same strong flavor, but it’s a decent backup.
Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: The combo adds depth and richness. If you’re out of diced tomatoes, crushed or whole tomatoes (just chop them up) can work too! For the tomato paste, any concentrated tomato base like tomato sauce can be substituted.
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that gooey texture. You can mix it with Monterey Jack for a tangy twist. For a less cheesy version, use low-fat cheese or skip the extra topping. Parmesan gives a salty kick—if unavailable, try Pecorino Romano.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Pasta for Casserole?
Cooking pasta correctly is essential for your casserole to hold up well. Overcooked pasta can make your dish mushy, so follow these steps:
- Put a large pot of water on to boil and add salt; this helps flavor the pasta.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions but stop 1-2 minutes early, aiming for al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain the pasta without rinsing, so it can soak up the flavors from the beef mixture.
Using these tips will keep your casserole from becoming too soggy as it bakes!
How to Make Beef Lombardi Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for cooking. Altogether, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for your casserole once you’re done preparing it.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a healthier dish.
3. Add the Sauces and Seasoning:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors blend beautifully.
4. Cook the Pasta:
While your meat mixture is simmering, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked). Once it’s done, drain it and set aside.
5. Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Also, add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the mix. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the entire pasta and beef mixture into it. Spread it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.
7. Add Cheese Topping:
Now it’s time to add the topping! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Top it off with some chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Now it’s ready to be served! Dig in and enjoy your delicious Beef Lombardi Casserole!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be mindful that turkey can be drier than beef, so you may want to add a splash of broth or a bit more tomato sauce to keep the casserole moist.
What If I Don’t Have Bowtie Pasta?
No problem! You can substitute bowtie pasta with any pasta shape you have on hand, like penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the pasta type you choose.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead! Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can add a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra delightful touch!
