Johnny Marzetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Johnny Marzetti is a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing casserole that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s made with simple pantry staples, comes together quickly, and bakes into a bubbling, cheesy meal the whole family will love. It also stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• Ground beef
• Yellow onion, diced
• Green bell pepper, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
6. Add cooked pasta to the meat sauce and stir to combine.
7. Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the cheddar and mozzarella.
8. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people and takes about 50 minutes to prepare. Prep time is 20 minutes, and baking time is around 30 minutes.

Variations

• Ground Turkey or Sausage: Swap out ground beef for turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
• Extra Veggies: Mix in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
• No Cheese Version: Skip the cheese topping for a lighter, dairy-free option.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese for a richer texture.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Add seasoned breadcrumbs to the top before baking for a crispy finish.
• One-Pot Method: Prepare the dish in a large ovenproof skillet and transfer directly to the oven.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
• Kid-Friendly Version: Use mini pasta shapes and mild cheese for picky eaters.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Johnny Marzetti also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is Johnny Marzetti?

It’s a baked pasta casserole made with ground beef, tomato sauce, cheese, and pasta—originating from the Midwest and named after a Columbus, Ohio restaurant dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

What kind of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well.

Can I freeze Johnny Marzetti?

Absolutely. It freezes well both baked and unbaked. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?

Yes, the pasta should be cooked to al dente before mixing with the sauce and baking.

How can I make it more flavorful?

Use seasoned meat, add garlic, or mix in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine to the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

Not typically, but you can add crushed red pepper or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, but choose a good-quality marinara or meat sauce, and adjust seasoning to taste.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but you can experiment with provolone, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and bulk up the sauce with mushrooms, lentils, or extra vegetables.

Conclusion

Johnny Marzetti is the kind of comforting, all-American casserole that brings people together. It’s flavorful, filling, and incredibly versatile—perfect for busy weeknights, leftovers, or feeding a crowd. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, this dish is a delicious taste of Midwest tradition.

Johnny Marzetti

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Johnny Marzetti is a classic Midwestern baked pasta casserole made with ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American (Midwest)
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat. Drain excess fat.
5. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
6. Stir pasta into the meat sauce.
7. Pour half into the baking dish, sprinkle with half the cheddar and mozzarella.
8. Top with remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
9. Bake uncovered 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

• Cook pasta only to al dente since it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Use sausage or ground turkey for a variation.
• Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Freezes well either baked or unbaked—wrap tightly to store up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg