John Marzetti
John Marzetti is a hearty baked pasta dish with ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; add chopped onion and green pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Mix together the cooked noodles, beef mixture, Worcestershire sauce, tomato soup, Ranch Style beans, and mushrooms.
- Place the mixture in a casserole dish and bake at 300°F for 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle the top with 2 cups of sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven to melt the cheese and brown slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding some diced carrots or celery to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you don't have Ranch Style beans, any canned beans will do. To enhance the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or Italian seasoning. This recipe is also great for using up leftover roast beef from Lu'S Roast Beef or any other beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve John Marzetti hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional cheese if desired. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, enjoy it alongside hot chili beans for an extra kick. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can be made ahead and easily transported.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover John Marzetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of John Marzetti contains roughly 798 calories, with 37g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (74% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1125mg per serving (49% 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 John Marzetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just assemble it in the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can substitute it with a can of diced tomatoes blended until smooth or a homemade tomato sauce. Adding a bit of sugar or honey can help replicate the sweetness of the soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or mushrooms for added texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and ensure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly if 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).