Description
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together layers of savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and gooey cheddar cheese, all enveloped in tender pasta. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups small pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in bell peppers and diced tomatoes; cook for another 5 minutes.
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and mix with the beef mixture.
- Transfer everything to the baking dish, layering half of the cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (220g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: - Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.- Add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.- This dish can be prepared ahead of time; just refrigerate before baking.