Welcome, food lovers! Today we’re diving into a timeless favorite—Beef Lombardi, a dish known for its layers of rich, flavorful ground beef, creamy noodles, and gooey melted cheese. This meal brings together the hearty goodness of beef with the smooth comfort of cream cheese and sour cream, making it a perfect option for a family dinner or a cozy meal for two.
Introduction to Beef Lombardi
The Beef Lombardi recipe has become a staple in many kitchens thanks to its simplicity and satisfying layers of flavors. Named after the iconic football coach Vince Lombardi, it’s a dish that brings the winning spirit to the dinner table. The blend of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and creamy egg noodles topped with melted cheddar makes it a must-try for fans of comfort food. It’s the ideal meal for those who love casseroles and crave a dish that’s both rich and savory.
The creamy layers mixed with bold spices and a hint of heat from Tabasco sauce make this dish stand out. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering or a hearty dish for a weeknight, Beef Lombardi delivers in every bite.
Ingredients for Beef Lombardi
To prepare the perfect Beef Lombardi, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can of tomatoes (28 oz), crushed or diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- ½ teaspoon of Tabasco sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 package of cooked egg noodles
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to substitute ingredients based on dietary restrictions or preferences. For example, use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option, or swap regular egg noodles for gluten-free alternatives. Lactose intolerant? Opt for lactose-free cream cheese and sour cream.
How to Make Beef Lombardi – Step by Step
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Make sure to break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Next, add the minced garlic to the beef and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Stir in the canned tomatoes, honey, salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and create a rich, savory sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Noodles
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the noodles are fully coated.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and begin layering the Beef Lombardi. Start with half of the noodle mixture, then spread half of the beef sauce over it. Repeat this process, finishing with a layer of cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Helpful Tips for Beef Lombardi
- Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality cheddar cheese. It will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Ensure the noodles are al dente when boiling them, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Let the sauce simmer: Allowing the beef and tomato sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes helps deepen the flavors.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Lombardi
- Cream cheese tip: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the noodles. If it’s too firm, microwave it for about 20 seconds to make it easier to blend.
- Cheese variation: Try using a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy and flavorful topping.
- Perfect browning: For a crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 3 minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Lombardi
Serve your Beef Lombardi hot out of the oven with a few simple side dishes. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread pair beautifully with the rich, creamy casserole. For drinks, a light red wine or an iced tea can complement the flavors.
Nutritional Information
While Beef Lombardi is indulgent, it offers nutritional benefits like protein from the beef and essential vitamins from the tomatoes and green onions.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 540
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage and Leftovers for Beef Lombardi
Beef Lombardi keeps well for a few days, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes to ensure even heating. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Beef Lombardi
1. Can I make Beef Lombardi ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative can be used in place of beef.
3. Can I freeze Beef Lombardi?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, and then freeze it. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
4. How can I make Beef Lombardi spicier?
For an extra kick, increase the Tabasco sauce or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Related Recipes for Beef Lovers
If you love Beef Lombardi, you’ll also enjoy these flavorful recipes:
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix
– A savory and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties.
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread
– A hearty, family-friendly meal with a delicious twist.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and eating this Beef Lombardi as much as we do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below with your thoughts or any personal twists you added to make it your own.
Don’t forget to check out more recipes like this on our blog, and happy cooking!
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Beef Lombardi Recipe – A Comforting Family Favorite Dish
Description
Welcome, food lovers! Today we’re diving into a timeless favorite—Beef Lombardi, a dish known for its layers of rich, flavorful ground beef, creamy noodles, and gooey melted cheese. This meal brings together the hearty goodness of beef with the smooth comfort of cream cheese and sour cream, making it a perfect option for a family dinner or a cozy meal for two.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can of tomatoes (28 oz), crushed or diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- ½ teaspoon of Tabasco sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 package of cooked egg noodles
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Make sure to break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Next, add the minced garlic to the beef and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Stir in the canned tomatoes, honey, salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and create a rich, savory sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Noodles
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the noodles are fully coated.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and begin layering the Beef Lombardi. Start with half of the noodle mixture, then spread half of the beef sauce over it. Repeat this process, finishing with a layer of cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality cheddar cheese. It will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Ensure the noodles are al dente when boiling them, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Let the sauce simmer: Allowing the beef and tomato sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes helps deepen the flavors.
