Amazing Johnny Marzetti Casserole (Print)

Hearty baked pasta with beef, tomatoes, green pepper, and cheeses, perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 450 g ground beef
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 425 g canned tomato sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - 450 g egg noodles
12 - 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 50 g grated Parmesan cheese

# Steps:

01 - Set oven to 175°C and allow to fully preheat.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat carefully.
03 - Add chopped onion and diced green pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring, until vegetables are soft.
04 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, ensuring it does not brown.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - While sauce simmers, cook egg noodles in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
07 - Gently fold cooked noodles into the meat sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Spoon half the pasta mixture into a 33 x 23 cm baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
09 - Top with the rest of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
10 - Transfer dish to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
11 - Remove from oven and let stand for several minutes before portioning and serving.

# Notes:

01 - Additional vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini can be incorporated for variation.
02 - Allow the casserole to rest after baking for easier serving and improved texture.
03 - Seasonings may be adjusted according to preference.