Tolerino
Tolerino is a hearty, flavorful casserole combining ground beef, noodles, corn, and tomato sauce topped with melted Cheddar cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain the grease from the meat mixture.
- Cook the noodles and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, drained corn, tomato sauce, salt (if using), garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin powder.
- Add the cooked meat and onion mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Uncover the dish and sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onion. If you prefer a kick, add diced jalapeños to the mixture. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger meat for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. Cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tolerino hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as a Tangy Stuffed Pepper Salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Grilled Ham Slices or your favorite vegetable side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil, warming in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until hot. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it’s well-sealed to maintain flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tolerino contains roughly 492 calories, with 22g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (225% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 796mg per serving (35% 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 Tolerino ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before cooking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. Alternatively, a blend of tomato paste and water can also work. For a unique flavor twist, try using salsa instead for a spicier kick!
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Adjust to your heat preference to make it just right for you.
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).