Johnny Marzetti Casserole
Kids love this buffet-ready casserole dish. My mother-in-law used to make a simpler version of this for my husband when he was growing up. This version pushes the flavor profile a bit. I prefer to have this dish sit overnight before baking as the flavors improve and the pasta absorbs some of the sauce so the consistency is just right.
Kids love this buffet-ready casserole dish. My mother-in-law used to make a simpler version of this for my husband when he was growing up. This version pushes the flavor profile a bit. I prefer to have this dish sit overnight before baking as the flavors improve and the pasta absorbs some of the sauce so the consistency is just right.
- 1 pound ground beef
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- cheese
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1/2 pound bulk mild italian sausage
- 1 clove garlic minced 1 tablespoon minced green bell peppe
- 14.4 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded italian cheese blend
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- Carbohydrate 33.6111426803258 g
- Cholesterol 110.072135266667 mg
- Fat 30.6916360239902 g
- Fiber 4.57793006568292 g
- Protein 36.5749694950326 g
- Saturated Fat 16.3465562266938 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (251g)
- Sodium 300.800903777454 mg
- Sugar 29.0332126146429 g
- Trans Fat 2.70908831013874 g
- Calories 559 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, 6 to 8 minutes; drain. Run cold water over the pasta to stop pasta from cooking further. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, cook the ground beef and sausage until completely browned and crumbled, 7 to 10 minutes. Mix in the onion, celery, garlic, and pepper; continue to cook and stir another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes and tomato sauce. Allow to cool five minutes.
- Lightly grease a large casserole dish. Spread the pasta over the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend over the pasta. Pour the meat mixture over the pasta and cheese. Cover dish with heavy aluminum foil.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes; remove foil and sprinkle Cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Continue baking until Cheddar cheese has melted, about 5 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Johnny Marzetti Casserole: A Family Favorite
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Johnny Marzetti Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that my family absolutely loves, and it's surprisingly simple to put together. The best part? It’s even better the next day! The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the pasta absorbs the rich tomato sauce, creating a wonderfully satisfying texture. This isn’t just a weeknight dinner; it’s a dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a casual weekend lunch.
My mother-in-law’s recipe is the inspiration for this one. She made a simpler version for my husband when he was a boy, a testament to its enduring appeal. I’ve tweaked it a bit over the years, adding a few extra ingredients to enhance the flavor profile. The result is a casserole that's both familiar and exciting, a comforting classic with a delicious twist. The ground beef and Italian sausage create a savory foundation, while the blend of Italian and cheddar cheeses adds a delightful richness. The pasta, perfectly cooked al dente, soaks up all the delicious sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.
Making the Magic Happen: The key to this recipe, beyond the delicious ingredients, is the time you allow for the flavors to develop. I strongly recommend letting the casserole sit, covered, overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the pasta to fully absorb the sauce and the flavors to deepen, creating a far superior dish. If you’re short on time, at least an hour or two will make a noticeable difference. The baking process itself is straightforward, but it's the pre-baking rest that truly elevates this casserole to another level.
Beyond the Casserole: This recipe is so versatile! You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Want to make it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Prefer a different type of pasta? Feel free to substitute your favorite shape. Looking for a vegetarian option? Replace the ground beef and sausage with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions: A simple green salad is the perfect complement to this rich casserole. A crusty loaf of bread is also a wonderful addition, ideal for soaking up the extra sauce. For a truly special occasion, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, to add a pop of color and nutrients. However you choose to serve it, this Johnny Marzetti Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
More than just a meal: This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a connection to family history, a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It’s a dish that brings people together, fostering warmth, laughter, and shared memories around the dinner table. And isn’t that what cooking is all about?
