Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a classic dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. This tasty casserole is filled with beef, pasta, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it is also a crowd-pleaser! Your family will love the cheesy goodness, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
How to Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and sugar. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with the meat sauce.
- Pour half of the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Layer the remaining macaroni mixture and top it with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Johnny Marzetti Casserole
This casserole is best served hot from the oven. You can serve it alone or with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. Everyone will love digging into this cheesy, hearty dish.
How to Store Johnny Marzetti Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Tips to Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole
- Make sure to brown the beef thoroughly for the best flavor.
- You can use other types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a different taste.
- Consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or beans. Use vegetable broth or sauce instead of tomato sauce for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. How do I reheat the casserole?
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
3. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before mixing it with the sauce.