Talerina
Talerina is a hearty, meaty casserole combining ground beef, sausage, and vegetables with cheesy noodles. Its rich tomato base and sharp cheese topping make it a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 3 ribs of celery ⓘ
- 1 pod garlic ⓘ
- 1 lb ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/4 lb sausage ⓘ
- 1 large can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 can shoe peg corn
- 1 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 can chopped black olives ⓘ
- 1 lb grated sharp cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb wide noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop and mix the bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, ground chuck, and sausage.
- Combine chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, shoe peg corn, salt, and pepper.
- Mix both mixtures together and cook as spaghetti.
- Add chopped black olives, 3/4 pound grated sharp cheese, and cooked wide noodles. Mix well.
- Transfer to a buttered casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Top with 1/4 pound sharp cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground chuck and omit the sausage. Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer; mozzarella can give a milder taste. Also, using whole grain noodles can increase the dish's nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
This Talerina dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful contrast, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light vinaigrette. A glass of red wine also complements the flavors well, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but for best results, cover the dish to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Talerina contains roughly 147 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1332mg 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 make Talerina ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of black olives?
If you're not a fan of black olives, consider using green olives or even capers for a briny kick. You could also skip them altogether or replace them with sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile. The dish will still be delicious!
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).