Tallareni
Tallareni is a hearty baked pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and melty cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 pods garlic, chopped fine ⓘ
- 5 medium onions, chopped fine
- 4 bell peppers, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans Spanish-style tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes
- 1 can whole corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 can pitted black olives, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) bag short, flat egg noodles, boiled ⓘ
- 1 lb. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef, chopped garlic, onions, and bell peppers in a small amount of olive oil for 10 minutes.
- Add chili powder, canned tomato sauce, whole tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Add drained corn, chopped olives, and cooked egg noodles. Toss ingredients together well.
- Pour the mixture into two 9 x 13-inch baking dishes.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until cheese is slightly brown on top, about 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding black beans or kidney beans for extra protein. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Don't hesitate to adjust the cheese type; Monterey Jack can work well too. This recipe can easily be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup. Tallareni also makes a great potluck dish, so feel free to double the recipe for gatherings. Browse more American recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tallareni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes, or microwave in individual portions until warm. If frozen, allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tallareni contains roughly 423 calories, with 20g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (182% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 51g 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 Tallareni ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Tallareni a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover the baking dishes, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the egg noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using zucchini noodles or rice as a substitute for the egg noodles. Another option is to use whole wheat pasta for a healthier choice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the alternative you choose.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions and peppers to ensure they cook evenly and blend well into the dish.
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).