Beef Lombardi
Creamy beef and noodles layered with rich cheeses, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold tomato flavors and a cheesy topping that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. medium egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 c. sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground chuck and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Put chopped tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chiles, sugar, salt, pepper, and tomato paste in a blender and mix until smooth.
- Add the blended mixture to the cooked ground beef and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cook medium egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Stir together cooked noodles and sour cream.
- Spray a 13 x 9-inch dish with cooking spray.
- Layer the noodle mixture in the bottom of the dish.
- Top with the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck for a lighter version. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy flavor and added protein. If you're short on time, canned tomato sauce can replace the blended tomato mixture. Ensure to season to taste as different brands have varying salt content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beef Lombardi with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Fresh Fruit Pudding Compote for a refreshing dessert. For an extra touch, consider a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving to elevate the dish's presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water to keep it moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Lombardi contains roughly 338 calories, with 19g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value) and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1553mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Beef Lombardi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Beef Lombardi ahead of time. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated all the way through.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed veggies, like mushrooms and bell peppers, or use lentils for added protein. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and you'll have a delicious vegetarian dish that fits well in vegetarian recipes.
Can I freeze Beef Lombardi?
Yes, Beef Lombardi freezes well. To freeze, cool the dish completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).