Classic Johnny Marzetti Casserole: A Hearty and Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

Johnny Marzetti casserole is a classic American comfort food dish that’s been satisfying families for generations. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful combination of ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and noodles, all baked together into a bubbly, cheesy delight. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions for creating the perfect Johnny Marzetti casserole, ensuring a comforting and satisfying meal every time.

What is Johnny Marzetti? A Little History

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the origins of this beloved casserole. Johnny Marzetti is said to have originated in Columbus, Ohio, at Marzetti’s Restaurant, owned by an Italian immigrant named Teresa Marzetti. In the late 19th century or early 20th century, depending on accounts, she created this dish by combining ingredients readily available and popular at the time: ground beef, tomato sauce, cheese, and noodles. It quickly became a restaurant staple and spread in popularity across the Midwest and beyond.

The dish is often associated with school cafeterias and church potlucks, further solidifying its reputation as a comforting and easy-to-make meal. While many variations exist, the core elements remain the same, making it a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit individual preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Johnny Marzetti Recipe

* Comfort Food Classic: It embodies the essence of comfort food – warm, hearty, and satisfying.
* Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
* Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are generally inexpensive and readily available, making it a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
* Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* Great for Leftovers: Johnny Marzetti casserole tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup water
* 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* Ground Beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground sausage for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
* Onion and Garlic: These add depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
* Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper is a classic addition, but you can use other colors or omit it altogether if you prefer.
* Tomatoes: Using a combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste provides a rich and complex tomato flavor. You can substitute with an equal amount of your preferred tomato product, such as diced tomatoes or tomato puree.
* Herbs and Spices: Oregano and basil are essential for that classic Italian flavor. Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary to your liking. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
* Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the traditional noodle used in Johnny Marzetti. However, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle.
* Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp and tangy flavor that complements the tomato sauce. You can substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack.
* Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor. It’s optional but highly recommended.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Colander for draining pasta
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and comforting Johnny Marzetti casserole.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
3. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned ground beef.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. If using, add the chopped green bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
2. Add the water and stir to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Elbow Macaroni

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions.
2. Drain the macaroni in a colander.
3. Do not overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the tomato sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure the macaroni is evenly coated.
3. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) to the macaroni and sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Johnny Marzetti Casserole

* Don’t overcook the macaroni: Slightly undercooking the macaroni ensures it won’t become mushy during baking.
* Simmer the sauce: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and develop a richer taste. Don’t skip this step!
* Grease the baking dish: This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish and makes it easier to serve.
* Use good quality cheese: Using high-quality cheddar cheese will result in a better flavor and texture.
* Let it rest: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Variations and Additions

Johnny Marzetti is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are some variations and additions to try:

* Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack.
* Add Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or pinto beans to the sauce for added protein and fiber.
* Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or simply omit it altogether.
* Top with Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
* Add a Layer of Ricotta Cheese: Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the macaroni mixture before adding the cheddar cheese for a creamy and rich flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Johnny Marzetti casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

* Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
* Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy side dish.
* Coleslaw: Serve with coleslaw for a tangy and crunchy side dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* Storage: Store leftover Johnny Marzetti casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Johnny Marzetti casserole can be made ahead of time and baked later. Assemble the casserole as instructed, but do not bake it. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 25-30 grams per serving
* Fat: 20-25 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams per serving

Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe Card

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup water
* 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off excess grease.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.
5. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni with the tomato sauce mixture. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
7. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using) over the top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Johnny Marzetti casserole is a timeless classic that continues to bring comfort and joy to families around the world. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable nature, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. So, gather your ingredients, follow these instructions, and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!