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The heart of the Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole lies in its rich and flavorful meat sauce. To achieve a balanced flavor profile, start by browning 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat in a large skillet. Make sure to break it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain the excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

Beef Lombardi Casserole

Discover the warmth of home cooking with Hearty Beef Lombardi Casserole, the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This delicious dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a medley of flavorful vegetables, all baked in a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also allows for creative adaptations to suit your taste. Dive into this cozy recipe and share a culinary hug with your loved ones.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with Italian herbs

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

        Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

          Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the meat sauce mixture. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.

            Layer in Casserole Dish: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Layer the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese.

              Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8