Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe

One-Pot Midwestern Comfort Food Classic

KEY INFO:

• Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
• Total Time: 60-75 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Tags: Contains Gluten, Dairy

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

• Large pot
• Deep skillet
• 9×13 baking dish
• Colander
• Wooden spoon

INGREDIENTS:

Pasta:

• 1 lb macaroni or rotini
• [Substitute: penne, ziti]

Meat:

• 1-2 lbs ground beef
• [Option: Mix with Italian sausage]

Sauce Base:

• 28 oz tomato sauce
• 14 oz diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, chopped (optional)

Seasonings:

• 2-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Pinch of sugar
• Optional: Red pepper flakes

Cheese:

• 2 cups mixed shredded cheese
• [Options: Mozzarella, Cheddar]

METHOD:

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In large skillet, sauté onions, peppers, mushrooms until soft (5 minutes).
3. Add ground beef. Brown thoroughly at medium-high heat, breaking into small pieces.
4. Drain excess fat. Add garlic, cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, seasonings. Simmer 5-10 minutes.
6. Combine pasta, meat sauce, half the cheese in large bowl.
7. Transfer to greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
8. Bake at 350°F, 30-40 minutes until cheese bubbles and edges turn golden.
9. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

CRUCIAL TIPS:

• Don’t overcook pasta—it continues cooking in oven
• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent greasiness
• Taste and adjust seasonings before baking

STORAGE:

• Refrigerate 3-4 days
• Freeze up to 3 months
• Reheat covered at 350°F for 20-30 minutes

VARIATIONS:

• Vegetarian: Replace beef with extra mushrooms
• Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes
• Lighter: Use ground turkey

PRO TIPS:

• Add Worcestershire sauce for extra depth
• Grate your own cheese for best melting
• Let casserole rest to set up properly

NUTRITIONAL SPOTLIGHT:

• High protein
• Rich in carbohydrates
• Customizable for dietary needs

ORIGIN NOTE:

A beloved Midwestern comfort food with roots in Ohio, Johnny Marzetti has been warming hearts and feeding families for generations.

Enjoy this nostalgic, crowd-pleasing casserole that proves sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable!