Spaghetti Ticino
A hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring savory ground meat, mushrooms, fresh herbs, and melted cheese, perfect for satisfying family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salad oil
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground meat ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon italian herb seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon tarragon ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup Madeira wine
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced ⓘ
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (for topping) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté onion and lean ground meat until the meat is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add mushrooms, tomato, tomato paste, pepper, italian herb seasoning, tarragon, garlic, swiss cheese, and all remaining ingredients except cheese and olives.
- Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of grated cheese, half of the olives, and cook until the cheese melts.
- Meanwhile, in boiling water with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salad oil, cook angel hair pasta for half the time indicated on the package.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and pour into a greased 9 x 13-inch Pyrex casserole dish.
- Fold in the meat mixture with the pasta and mix well.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheese and the remaining olives.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Let stand for at least 20 minutes if serving later to ensure the dish is thoroughly heated.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using pre-cooked ground meat or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter option. You can also swap out the cheeses based on your preference; cheddar or provolone can work well. Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried ones, but adjust the quantities as dried herbs are more potent. If you're short on time, try pairing this dish with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Spaghetti Ticino pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a hearty meal. For a festive touch, serve with a glass of Madeira wine to complement the dish's flavors. It also makes a fantastic dish for potlucks or family gatherings; just remember to let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover them to retain moisture and heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Ticino contains roughly 580 calories, with 33g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and protein (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Spaghetti Ticino vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or mushrooms. Additionally, you can increase the amount of vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the flavors and textures.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in place of the ground meat for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
What can I serve with Spaghetti Ticino?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. A simple Caesar salad or a warm bread stick can complement the richness of the casserole. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup for a complete meal experience.
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).