Description
Johnny Marzetti is a classic American comfort casserole featuring a hearty mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, pasta, and melted cheese baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines savory flavors with gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 10 ounces elbow macaroni or egg noodles
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
- ½ pound Italian sausage
- ½ pound ground beef
- 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
Cheeses
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This will ensure your dish doesn’t stick after baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni or egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Meat: Add the Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink in the center.
- Add Mushrooms and Seasonings: Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to combine flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet mixture, then fold in half of the shredded cheeses until melted and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and meat mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with freshly minced parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Leftover Johnny Marzetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with egg noodles or any short pasta shape you prefer.
- Adjust the red chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
