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.

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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

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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.