johnny marzetti casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best johnny marzetti casserole recipe

I’ve been making Johnny Marzetti casserole for years, and it’s a staple in my household. It’s a classic Midwestern recipe that originated from the name of an Italian-American cook who worked at a local Cleveland restaurant. The dish is a hearty, comforting blend of pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese that’s reminiscent of a warm hug on a cold day.

I love how easy it is to make – just cook the pasta, brown the meat, and layer everything in a casserole dish. My family devours it in minutes, and I’m always asked to make it for family gatherings. The best part?

It’s incredibly versatile – I can serve it hot as a main course or cold as a side dish. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods. My kids love helping me assemble the casserole, and they always ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!)

The leftovers are just as delicious reheated the next day. I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years to suit my family’s tastes – I add some frozen vegetables for extra nutrition and use lean ground beef to make it more health-conscious. My friends and family rave about this recipe whenever we share it with them.

It’s truly a crowd-pleaser! As I’m sure you’ll see when you try it out for yourself – Johnny Marzetti casserole is an old-school recipe that never goes out of style. The combination of flavors and textures is pure magic – you won’t be disappointed!

It’s also incredibly easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a big family or just want something easy to make for yourself, this recipe is sure to please.

Johnny Marzetti Casserole

4.7 from 987 votes

A hearty and comforting casserole with ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. This classic Midwestern dish is perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
4In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes.
5Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
6Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
7Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
8In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the meat sauce, stirring until evenly mixed.
9Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
10Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
11Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
12Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Colander
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 890mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the herbs. You can also substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter option.

Watch Video Of How Johnny Marzetti Casserole Works

I’m so glad you asked about storage and reheating ideas – this casserole freezes beautifully and reheats just as well as freshly baked bread!

If you’re looking for something easy to serve at your next family gathering or holiday meal, look no further than Johnny Marzetti casserole.

It’s perfect for potlucks or buffets because everyone loves having options – serve it hot with some crusty bread on the side or let everyone help themselves from the serving dish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Q: What is Johnny Marzetti casserole?

Johnny Marzetti casserole is a classic Midwestern dish made with pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese.

Q: Where did this recipe come from?

The dish originated from the name of an Italian-American cook named John Marzetti who worked at a local Cleveland restaurant.

Q: What kind of pasta should I use?

You can use any type of pasta you like – penne, macaroni, or even ziti work well.

Q: Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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