Beef Lombardi Casserole

Casseroles hold a special place in the hearts of many home cooks and families. Their convenience and practicality make them the go-to choice for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings. The beauty of a casserole lies in its ability to be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Simply prepare your dish ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat—it's that easy.

Explore the comforting world of casseroles with the Savory Beef Lombardi Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish packed with ground beef, pasta, and rich flavors. This family favorite combines tender pasta, hearty beef, aromatic vegetables, and gooey cheese into a delightful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, it's easy to prepare ahead of time. Discover how to customize it to fit your taste preferences and make it a staple at your table!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup tomato sauce

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 cups cooked elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Add the Bell Pepper: Stir in the chopped bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.

Mix in Macaroni: In the skillet, gently fold in the cooked elbow macaroni. Ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Layer and Cheese It Up: Transfer half of the beef and macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining mixture on top and cover with the rest of the mozzarella and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Garnish and Serve: Once finished, take the casserole out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then slice, serve, and enjoy!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 6 servings