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Johnny Marzetti

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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.

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)

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/johnny-marzetti/