Description
Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a classic, comforting one-dish meal that combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy casserole delivers rich, cheesy, and hearty flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the drained macaroni into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and meat mixture.
- Assemble and Add Cheese: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; undercook slightly to prevent mushiness during baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and flavor melding.
- Taste the sauce before baking and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Grease the casserole dish well to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg