Description
Johnny Marzetti is a beloved casserole dish that originated in the Midwest, known for its hearty ingredients and delicious flavor. The dish typically includes ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, all baked together until bubbly and golden brown. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of tomato sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add Vegetables: Add diced onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well to combine.
- Add Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet and stir until everything is well mixed. Let simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side salad or garlic bread.