Johnny Marzetti Casserole: A Comfort Classic with Hearty Layers

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Johnny Marzetti Casserole is one of those timeless American comfort food dishes that’s been served at family dinners and potlucks for decades. It’s a rich, satisfying baked pasta casserole made with ground beef, hearty tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender noodles—all brought together into one soul-warming dish. This Midwest classic is known for being budget-friendly, filling, and incredibly easy to make.

It originated in the early 20th century in Columbus, Ohio, and quickly spread across the country due to its delicious simplicity and nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re serving a crowd, planning a cozy dinner, or just looking for a weeknight winner, Johnny Marzetti delivers bold flavor and family-friendly appeal every time. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s still a staple in so many kitchens.

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Ingredients for Johnny Marzetti Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz elbow macaroni or rigatoni, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through. As the beef cooks, break it apart using a wooden spoon or spatula. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.

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Step 2: Make the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce mixture to simmer for about 10–12 minutes so the flavors can meld together and slightly thicken.

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Step 3: Combine with Pasta

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni or rigatoni with the meat sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is coated and evenly mixed with the sauce. This step ensures every bite gets packed with flavor.

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Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the rest of the cheese.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting layers of cheesy, beefy goodness!

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Storage Instructions

Johnny Marzetti Casserole stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal or leftover option.

• Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge (if frozen), then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through. Individual servings can be microwaved for 2–3 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

Based on 1 serving out of 8 total servings:

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 580mg

Note: Values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni and rigatoni are popular choices, you can also use penne, ziti, or rotini.

2. Can I make Johnny Marzetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

3. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

A mix of cheddar and mozzarella offers a great balance of sharpness and meltiness, but feel free to experiment with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.

4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be sautéed with the onions and peppers for added nutrition.

5. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a meatless twist.

6. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well and offers a leaner alternative while still tasting delicious.

7. What’s the origin of the name “Johnny Marzetti”?

It’s named after the brother of a woman who owned Marzetti’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. It became famous as a budget-friendly comfort food.

8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the sauce and pasta mixture in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours, then add cheese near the end to melt.

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