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