Description
Beef Lombardi warms hearts with layers of cheesy, meaty goodness that feel just like a family dinner hug. Hearty pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese create a simple casserole your whole table will devour in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry and Liquids:
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat your oven precisely to 350F, ensuring the rack sits in the center position for consistent cooking.
- Grab a large skillet and thoroughly brown 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves with the beef until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 drained can of kidney beans, and 1 cup elbow macaroni into the skillet with the meat mixture.
- Add 2 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon cumin, stirring ingredients until completely combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Carefully transfer the entire skillet contents into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese across the top, covering the entire surface.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated 350F oven and bake for exactly 30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor profile.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat cheese.
- Choose whole wheat macaroni to boost the nutritional value and add a nutty undertone to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg