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Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. This recipe combines ground beef, onions, garlic, and tomato sauce with elbow macaroni and plenty of cheddar cheese. It's a simple yet delicious meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. Let's dive into this classic casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups (elbow macaroni or similar) uncooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need
Read more: Beef Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Johnny Marzetti Casserole
- Ground beef: Adds rich flavor and hearty texture, making the casserole filling and satisfying.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that enhances the overall taste.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth, complementing the beef and tomatoes.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, tangy foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the beef.
- Pasta: Acts as the starchy backbone, absorbing flavors and providing substance.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, savory topping, adding a comforting finish.
- Oregano: Brings a hint of earthiness, enhancing the Italian-inspired flavors.
- Basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic note, making the dish more fragrant and flavorful.
Tools and Instruments Needed
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe
- Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic, ensuring even cooking and flavor development.
- Mixing bowl: Combines cooked pasta with meat sauce, making it easy to mix ingredients thoroughly before baking.
- Baking dish: Holds the casserole mixture and allows for even baking, resulting in a perfectly cooked dish.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the meat sauce and mixing pasta, providing control and preventing scratching of cookware.
- Colander: Drains cooked pasta efficiently, removing excess water to prevent a soggy casserole.
Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, pasta, and cheese.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or similar)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Read more: Avocado Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed up to the baking step.
- Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but do not bake.
- Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Johnny Marzetti casserole was named after a real person, Teresa Marzetti's brother, who owned a restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, where this dish became a local favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare it up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake.
What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites work great.
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