Terrific Tagliarini
A hearty and flavorful ground beef casserole with rich tomato sauce, cheesy topping, and savory vegetables, perfect for satisfying family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2 small onions chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp oil or bacon grease ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp cumin powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp marjoram ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 small cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can water ⓘ
- 1 No. 303 can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 1 small can chopped olives ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic in oil.
- Add oregano, cumin powder, marjoram, chili powder, and pepper; cook briefly to release flavors.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, cream-style corn, chopped olives, and mushrooms; mix thoroughly.
- Transfer mixture to a 9 x 13 x 2-inch casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 300°F for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a spicier chili powder. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese before baking. Make sure to drain the canned mushrooms and olives to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice. You can also top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor. Browse more American recipes for additional side ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Terrific Tagliarini contains roughly 581 calories, with 9g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (193% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 22g 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 use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for varied flavors. Just keep in mind that some cheeses may melt differently, altering the dish's texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Certainly! You can omit the ground beef and substitute it with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like tempeh or a plant-based crumble. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavors, ensuring the dish remains hearty and satisfying.
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).