Description
Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole delivers comfort with layers of rich ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Pasta lovers will savor this classic Southern dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (453 g) ground beef
- 1 (15-ounce/425 g) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Tomato and Pasta Components:
- 1 (28-ounce/794 g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce/425 g) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce/170 g) can tomato paste
- 1 lb (453 g) pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a warm 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a hearty culinary experience.
- In a robust skillet, transform ground beef into a crumbly, caramelized canvas, meticulously eliminating excess lipids.
- Introduce diced onions and fragrant garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic, releasing their subtle essence.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by incorporating crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and concentrated tomato paste, seasoned with oregano, basil, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Simultaneously, prepare pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, then gently drain and set aside.
- Marry the cooked pasta with creamy ricotta and aged Parmesan, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Establish a flavor foundation by spreading half the robust meat sauce across the bottom of a spacious 9×13-inch baking vessel.
- Delicately arrange the pasta-cheese mixture atop the initial sauce layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Cascade the remaining meat sauce over the pasta, creating a rich, layered landscape.
- Generously crown the casserole with a blanket of melty mozzarella, promising a golden, bubbling finale.
- Bake the assembled masterpiece for 25-30 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a molten, appetizing surface.
- Grant the casserole a brief respite of 10 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.
- Optional: Embellish with fresh basil leaves, introducing a final touch of verdant freshness.
Notes
- Customize meat options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative.
- Enhance pasta texture by cooking slightly under al dente, as it will continue cooking during baking and prevent mushy consistency.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or replacing with mild paprika for those preferring less heat.
- Make ahead by preparing the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator, and baking when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg