Tallasina
Tallasina is a hearty cheesy noodle casserole with ground beef, vegetables, and olives, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- While the noodles are cooking, sauté the ground beef, chopped onions, chopped celery, and garlic in a large skillet until the meat is no longer red.
- Add the tomato sauce, cream-style corn, and half of the grated cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted.
- Mix in the olives and combine well.
- Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the skillet. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or a sharp cheddar, for varied flavors. Using whole wheat noodles can boost the dish's nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tallasina hot from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert, follow up with Angel Food Surprise to balance the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the Tallasina cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tallasina contains roughly 420 calories, with 20g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1551mg per serving (67% 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 use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh vegetables! Sauté diced fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini along with the onions and celery for a fresher taste. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they soften adequately before mixing with the noodles.
What type of noodles work best for Tallasina?
While traditional egg noodles are commonly used, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure they are cooked al dente, as they will continue to cook while baking in the oven, absorbing the flavors from the sauce.
Can I make Tallasina ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).