Beef Lombardi

Ready to treat your taste buds to a dish that’s brimming with cozy flavors and heartwarming memories? Let me introduce you to Beef Lombardi, a comforting classic that layers rich, seasoned beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese into a casserole that’s truly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for gathering around the table with family, especially on those chilly evenings when only something hearty will do.

The first time I tasted Beef Lombardi, it was from my grandma’s kitchen during a frosty winter. While the recipe I’m sharing today has a few twists of its own, it captures the same spirit of warmth and comfort. This dish is a beautiful symphony of flavors—the robustness of ground beef, the tang of tomatoes, and the creaminess of cheese, all mingling together to create something incredibly special. Now, it’s your turn to bring this beloved recipe into your home and make it a favorite among your loved ones.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound ground beef

1 can (28 oz) tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons honey

½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce

1 bay leaf

1 package cooked egg noodles

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese

6 green onions, chopped

1 cup sour cream

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Start with the Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned, then drain any excess fat.

Flavor Building: Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the tomatoes, honey, Tabasco sauce, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully.

Prepare the Pasta Layer: While your sauce simmers, take a large bowl and mix together the cooked egg noodles with cream cheese, green onions, and sour cream until everything is evenly combined.

Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the noodle mixture across the bottom. Top this with half of the beef and tomato sauce, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.

Bake the Magic: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden …