Whenever Grandma cooked this, we’d eat every last crumb.

Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole
This classic Italian-American casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheeses, and tender macaroni create a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Cook the Onion and Garlic
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Prepare the Sauce
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
5. Combine the Macaroni Filling
- In a separate bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with sour cream and cottage cheese until well combined.
6. Layer the Casserole
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the macaroni mixture, half of the beef sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar.
- Repeat with the remaining macaroni, sauce, and cheese.
7. Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.




