johnny marzetti original recipe

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The Best johnny marzetti original recipe

I’ve been making Johnny Marzetti for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite dishes. It’s a classic comfort food recipe that originated in the Midwest, where it’s been a staple for generations.

The dish is named after an Italian immigrant who owned a restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, where it was first served. I love making Johnny Marzetti because it’s so easy to prepare and can be customized to suit our tastes.

My kids devour it, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. One of the best things about Johnny Marzetti is its rich, meaty flavor, which comes from a combination of ground beef, pork, and vegetables.

The key to this recipe is browning the meat and cooking the vegetables slowly to bring out their natural sweetness. This dish is also incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

I often make Johnny Marzetti on Sundays for our family gatherings, and everyone looks forward to it all week long. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making this recipe a true winner in our household.

4.7 from 1360 votes

Johnny Marzetti is a classic Midwestern casserole featuring ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese over egg noodles. This hearty dish is baked until bubbly and golden, making it a comforting family meal.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

8 oz egg noodles

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.

3Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes.

4Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.

5In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.

6Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic; cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

7Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.

8Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

9In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the meat sauce and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.

10Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

11Transfer the noodle mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

12Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

13Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

14Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet

Large pot

Colander

9×13 inch baking dish

Mixing spoon

Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork. You can also add sliced mushrooms or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

Watch Video Of How Johnny Marzetti Original Recipe Works

Johnny Marzetti is a recipe that I always come back to because it is reliable, easy to make, and loved by everyone. For storage, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To reheat, I usually pop individual servings in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm the whole dish in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. This casserole also freezes beautifully, so I often make a double batch and freeze one for a busy night.

Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For serving, I like to pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to round out the meal.

It works just as well for a casual family dinner as it does for a holiday potluck, and that versatility is why it stays in my regular rotation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Johnny Marzetti Original

Q: What is the origin of Johnny Marzetti?

Johnny Marzetti is a dish that originated in the Midwest, specifically in Columbus, Ohio. It was named after an Italian immigrant who owned a restaurant where it was first served.

Q: What type of meat is used in Johnny Marzetti?

The original recipe calls for a combination of ground beef and ground pork. You can adjust the ratio of beef to pork to suit your taste preferences.

Q: Can I make Johnny Marzetti in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and refrigerate it overnight before cooking it the next day.

Q: Is Johnny Marzetti suitable for special diets?

This recipe is not gluten-free or low-carb-friendly due to the pasta and breadcrumbs used in the original recipe.

Q: Can I substitute other types of meat in Johnny Marzetti?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as alternatives to beef and pork.

johnny marzetti original recipe

The Best johnny marzetti original recipe