Jamie'S Marzetti
A hearty and cheesy casserole with ground beef, noodles, and tomato juice, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop onions and brown with ground beef; drain.
- Cook noodles for 5 minutes; drain.
- Mix cooked beef, noodles, tomato juice, and Velveeta cheese in a large bowl.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Pour tomato juice over the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 300°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with lentils or a meat alternative. You can also experiment with different cheese blends for added flavor, such as mixing in some sharp cheddar with the Velveeta. This dish is versatile; feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jamie's Marzetti with a side salad or crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Noodle Casserole(Good Side Dish With A Roast Or Ham) for a comforting meal. For a fun twist, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jamie'S Marzetti contains roughly 588 calories, with 15g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Marzetti mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the refrigerator, to ensure it's heated through thoroughly.
What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?
If you prefer not to use Velveeta, you can substitute it with a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, a mix of mozzarella and gouda can work well, providing a delicious flavor without the processed cheese.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions as needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).