Ripe Olive Casserole
A flavorful casserole combining pasta, vegetables, olives, and seasoned ground beef, topped with crunchy chips — perfect for a hearty, savory family meal with a Mediterranean twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups favorite pasta ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 large can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup ripe olives, pitted and sliced ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- corn chips ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons oleo ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 3 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions.
- Cook corn and drain.
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion and bell pepper; drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes (reserve liquid), drained corn, sliced olives, grated Cheddar cheese, cumin, garlic salt, oregano, sugar, Tabasco sauce, and the reserved tomato liquid to the beef mixture; bring to a boil.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish and top with corn chips.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture before baking. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground beef with pre-cooked chicken or a plant-based meat alternative. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a subtle kick, reminiscent of flavors found in Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ripe Olive Casserole with a fresh green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Patsy'S Taco Salad for an extra crunch and flavor. For a fun twist, consider offering toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, or additional cheese on the side, allowing guests to customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ripe Olive Casserole contains roughly 852 calories, with 36g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (104% of the Daily Value), and protein (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2134mg per serving (93% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian alternative, try using black beans or lentils, which will provide protein and texture while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce according to your taste. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef. For an extra spicy kick, serve with a side of hot salsa or pickled jalapeños.
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).