1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake

Beef Lombardi Bake

Featured in Dinner Ideas That Actually Work.

Rich pasta bake with beef and cheese. Cooks in an hour, feeds 6. Ideal for easy dinners or meal prep.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Clare Recipes
Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 20:45:51 GMT
Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Pin it
Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake | lilicooks.com

This comforting dish combines flavorful ground beef, soft egg noodles, and a trio of gooey cheeses in a soul-soothing Southwestern bake. Bold tomato sauce with roasted green chiles creates rich flavor layers that turn basic ingredients into an addictive comfort classic. This Beef Lombardi Casserole perfectly blends Italian and Tex-Mex flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish that works great at family meals or group gatherings.

This casserole has become the ultimate comfort food in our house. The first time I whipped it up, watching those perfect cheese pulls and smelling those spiced tomatoes throughout the house, I knew right away it wasn't just another dinner option – it was going to become a family favorite for years to come.

Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown

  • Lean ground beef: Forms the meaty foundation; go for 85/15 for just the right mix of taste and juiciness
  • Roasted diced tomatoes and green chiles: Give richness and mild heat without making it too spicy
  • Egg noodles: Make the ideal base; they grab onto all the tasty sauce
  • Sour cream: Brings creaminess and slight tang; stick with the full-fat kind for best results
  • Three-cheese blend: Adds layered flavors with each cheese bringing something special to the mix

Tasty Preparation Steps

Beef Cooking:
Cook ground beef until no pink remains, letting it brown well for extra flavor development.
Flavor Mixing:
Mix tomatoes, chiles, and seasonings together, letting everything bubble until the flavors combine.
Pasta Cooking:
Boil egg noodles until just tender, so they won't get mushy during baking.
Adding Creaminess:
Mix hot noodles with sour cream to create a rich bottom layer.
Perfect Assembly:
Stack layers of noodles, meat mixture, and cheese for the best taste in every bite.
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe Pin it
Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe | lilicooks.com

I've made this casserole so many times and learned that taking your time with the sauce really makes a difference. Years ago, my daughter would always hang around the kitchen, drawn in by the amazing smell of the meat sauce cooking. These days she makes this for her own family, adding her own little twists while keeping the main flavors that everyone loves.

Round Out Your Dinner

Make this filling casserole part of a complete dinner with a fresh Caesar salad topped with homemade garlicky croutons. A side of warm garlic bread works perfectly for scooping up any leftover sauce, while some roasted veggies add nice color and healthiness to finish off your meal.

Make It Your Own

Play around with this flexible dish by throwing in some mushrooms and colorful bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrients. Try swapping in pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick, or add a layer of black beans for more Southwestern flair. Want something lighter? Just use ground turkey and Greek yogurt instead without losing any of the great taste.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

This casserole stays good in the fridge for up to four days if you cover it well. Warm up single servings in the microwave, or heat bigger portions in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. Planning ahead? You can put the whole thing together, wrap it up tight, and freeze it for up to three months.

After making this Beef Lombardi Casserole for so many years, I've noticed how it really brings the family together. There's something almost magical about taking a hot, cheese-covered casserole out of the oven that gets everyone running to the kitchen. It's not just food – it's a chance to gather around, talk about your day, and make great memories at the dinner table.

Close-up Beef Lombardi Casserole Pin it
Close-up Beef Lombardi Casserole | lilicooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is this good to make ahead?
Sure, you can prep it a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, and add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking straight from cold.
→ Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, freeze before cooking and store up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
→ What pasta should I use if I don't have egg noodles?
Any medium-size pasta like rotini, penne, or regular noodles works fine with no changes to cooking time.
→ Can I swap ground beef for another meat?
Definitely, ground turkey or chicken make great lighter alternatives.
→ How much spice is in this?
It's mild, thanks to the Rotel tomatoes. If you prefer no heat, regular diced tomatoes are perfect.

Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake

A cozy dish with ground beef, noodles, and three cheeses tossed in a bold tomato blend.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat & Base

01 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
02 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
03 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
04 1 pound of ground beef, as lean as you like

→ Seasonings

05 ½ teaspoon black pepper
06 1 teaspoon salt
07 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Pasta & Dairy

09 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
10 2 cups of cheddar cheese, shredded
11 1 cup shredded mozzarella
12 12 ounces of wide egg noodles
13 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat to 350°F and grease up your biggest 9x13 pan.

Step 02

Cook the beef in a big skillet until it's fully browned and crumbly. Dump out the grease afterward.

Step 03

Combine all your canned tomatoes, seasoning, and the paste with the beef in the skillet. Let it sit and bubble on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes so everything combines well.

Step 04

Boil egg noodles until they're just soft enough. Drain well and stir them into the sour cream so it's all evenly coated.

Step 05

Put the creamy noodles on the bottom of your pan, add the meat sauce right on top, then scatter all the shredded cheese over everything.

Step 06

Bake it all together for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts, turns bubbly, and gets a bit golden. Take it out and give it 5 minutes to settle before serving.

Notes

  1. Craving creamier noodles? Stir in some pasta water when mixing them with sour cream.
  2. Let the sauce cook for a longer time, up to 30 minutes, for a deeper, richer balance of taste.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big rectangular 9x13 pan
  • A large skillet for the beef
  • A pot big enough for boiling noodles
  • A colander to drain pasta

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy products like sour cream and cheese.
  • Egg noodles mean egg content is present.
  • Pasta contains gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 38 g