Amazing Johnny Marzetti Casserole

This classic Johnny Marzetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or potlucks. Layers of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and plenty of melty cheese come together easily in just an hour for a dish that pleases both kids and adults. It is hearty enough to feed a crowd and always disappears fast from the table.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings a rich meaty flavor and classic texture so look for beef that is eighty five percent lean for a balance of flavor and not too much grease
• Onion: adds sweetness and depth to the sauce choose yellow or white for best results
• Green bell pepper: offers a pop of color and subtle bitterness try to get firm shiny peppers for freshness
• Garlic: gives a mild kick and earthy base use fresh cloves for the best flavor
• Crushed tomatoes: form the heart of a thick tangy sauce use a good brand for the brightest tomato taste
• Tomato sauce: smooths out the dish and helps everything bake together pick one with no added sugar or seasoning
• Dried oregano and dried basil: bring signature Italian herb flavors try to use newer jars with bright aroma
• Salt and black pepper: amplify all the other flavors and let you make it just right for your family
• Egg noodles: offer a soft and comforting base wide noodles hold up best to the sauce and cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: creates that irresistible stretchy melted topping always grate it fresh for better melt
• Grated Parmesan cheese: rounds out the flavor with a salty nutty finish use real Parmesan for a richer taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly keep turning the pieces for even cooking then drain off any extra fat for a lighter casserole

Sauté the Vegetables:

Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook gently until they are just soft and the onion is translucent this draws out their sweetness and builds the flavor base

Add Garlic and Simmer the Sauce:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for a minute so it becomes fragrant then pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce with oregano basil salt and pepper bring it to a hearty simmer and let it bubble for about fifteen minutes to marry all the flavors

Boil the Noodles:

In a separate large pot cook the egg noodles in well salted water following the package directions until they are just tender then drain right away to stop the cooking

Mix Noodles and Sauce:

Combine the cooked noodles with the rich tomato meat sauce mixing thoroughly in the skillet or in the noodle pot for an even coating

Layer the Casserole:

Spoon half of the noodle and sauce mixture into a greased thirteen by nine inch baking dish for the bottom layer sprinkle half of both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top to ensure delicious cheese in every bite

Add Second Layer and Cheese:

Add the rest of the noodle mixture over the first cheese layer finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly spread over the top this gives the casserole its signature golden cheesy crust

Bake Until Bubbling:

Place the assembled casserole in a three hundred fifty degree oven and bake uncovered for twenty to twenty five minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned remove from the oven and let stand a few minutes to set up for easy serving

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Storage Tips

Let the casserole cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge it will stay good for up to four days For longer storage wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to three months To reheat thaw in the fridge and warm in a covered dish at three hundred fifty degrees until hot and bubbly again

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef for a different flavor profile For noodles regular rotini or penne work well if you do not have egg noodles Fresh herbs can replace dried for a lighter taste and if you want extra veggies a handful of sliced mushrooms or zucchini adds nutrition and texture

Serving Suggestions

Johnny Marzetti is perfect on its own but a green salad with Italian vinaigrette and some garlic bread takes it over the top We sometimes serve it with roasted broccoli for a wholesome dinner For potlucks cut it into squares for easy serving

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Cultural History

Johnny Marzetti is an American classic that first appeared in the early twentieth century at a family restaurant in Columbus Ohio The owner Teresa Marzetti named the casserole for her brother in law and it became popular across the Midwest This dish has been a staple at community tables for generations

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for Johnny Marzetti?

Egg noodles are ideal as they absorb the sauce well and keep a tender texture after baking.

→ Can I use different cheeses in this dish?

Yes, mozzarella and Parmesan melt well, but cheddar or provolone can add extra flavor if preferred.

→ Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate it, and simply bake before mealtime for convenience.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and taste.

→ How do I know the casserole is ready?

Look for a bubbling sauce and melted, lightly browned cheese across the top—usually after 20-25 minutes in the oven.