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Johnny Marzetti Recipe

Johnny Marzetti Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

Johnny Marzetti is a classic American comfort food casserole that combines hearty ground beef and Italian sausage with elbow macaroni, vibrant vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and a generous blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This baked pasta dish is warm, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage

Pasta

  • 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (large elbows recommended)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • ½ green bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ red bell pepper, chopped
  • 6 oz mushrooms, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Tomato and Seasonings

  • 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 2 14 oz cans tomato sauce
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 1½ Tbsp sugar
  • Salt to taste

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar, divided
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided

Other

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Grease the skillet with olive oil and sauté chopped onions over medium-high heat until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add Peppers, Mushrooms, and Garlic: Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Cook Meat: Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Crumble the meat with a spatula and season with a little salt. Cook until browned with no pink remaining, approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Prepare Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, thyme, basil, and sugar to the meat mixture. Combine well and let simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Cook Macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  7. Combine Sauce and Pasta: Mix half of the combined shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the meat sauce. Stir in the cooked macaroni until fully incorporated.
  8. Bake Casserole: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  9. Rest Before Serving: Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for 5-8 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set.

Notes

  • You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground pork or turkey for a different flavor.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Use large elbow macaroni to hold more sauce and achieve the classic texture.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding fresh herbs like parsley on top after baking can enhance flavor and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Johnny Marzetti, baked pasta, casserole, ground beef, Italian sausage, comfort food, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, elbow macaroni

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/johnny-marzetti-recipe/