Althea'S Italian Delight
Althea'S Italian Delight combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta shells, and savory vegetables in a rich tomato sauce, enhanced with sherry wine and cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its bold flavors and comforting texture make it a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. margarine ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 large green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large can whole corn with juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 lb. large shells ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 Tbsp. pepper ⓘ
- 32 oz. canned tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 oz. canned mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 3/4 c. sherry wine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the large shells according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the margarine and sauté chopped onions and green peppers until tender.
- Add garlic and ground beef to the skillet; cook until beef is browned.
- Stir in canned whole corn with juice, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, canned mushrooms, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the sherry wine and mix well.
- Combine the cooked pasta shells with the sauce mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 2 hours.
- Uncover during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the ground beef with Italian sausage. You can use fresh garlic instead of the powdered version for a more robust taste. If you want to reduce calories, try using low-fat cheese or margarine. Adding a handful of spinach or kale can enhance the nutritional profile. This dish is reminiscent of Easy Italian Casserole, making it a great comfort food option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Althea's Italian Delight with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. A light vinaigrette dressing on the salad will balance the dish's heartiness. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a glass of sherry wine, enhancing its savory notes. For a complete meal, consider adding Italian recipes like a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes. Ensure the dish is covered to maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Althea'S Italian Delight contains roughly 827 calories, with 12g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (119% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1341mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day ahead. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of sherry wine?
If you prefer not to use sherry wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a splash of white wine. For a non-alcoholic option, apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of water can mimic the acidity and depth of flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. It's a convenient way to enjoy this dish later!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).