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Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Johnny Marzetti Casserole
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Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked pasta dish combining ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. A family favorite for generations, this easy-to-make recipe offers a warm, filling meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, with simple ingredients and versatile customizations.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef

Pasta

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni or pasta of choice (about 8 oz)

Sauce & Aromatics

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or 1 ¾ cups tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until nicely browned. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing them until soft and fragrant to build the flavor base.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or pasta of choice and cook until just al dente. Drain pasta well but do not overcook since it will finish cooking in the oven.
  3. Combine Sauce and Ingredients: Stir the diced tomatoes or tomato sauce into the browned beef and aromatics. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Gently fold in the cooked pasta so that it is evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Assemble and Add Cheese: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top to create a melty, golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starts to brown. After baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

  • Drain beef well to prevent a greasy casserole and keep flavors clean.
  • Do not overcook pasta to ensure it remains tender after baking.
  • Use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella and cheddar for best melt and flavor.
  • Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking for easier slicing.
  • Customize seasonings with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Johnny Marzetti, casserole, ground beef casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/johnny-marzetti-casserole/