Johnnie Marzetti
Johnnie Marzetti is a hearty American casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, cook and stir the ground beef, uncooked elbow macaroni, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper.
- Cook until the meat is browned and the pasta is partially cooked.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato juice, garlic salt, pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat the mixture to boiling.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the macaroni is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Uncover and simmer until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with diced garlic before adding the other ingredients. If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a splash of vinegar can be good substitutes. You might also try adding some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This dish is similar to other hearty American recipes like Meatball Macaroni Supper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Johnnie Marzetti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables. This dish is also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can be easily doubled or halved.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Johnnie Marzetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Johnnie Marzetti contains roughly 1073 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1375mg per serving (60% 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 use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose, as some may require longer to cook.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Johnnie Marzetti in advance. Assemble the dish up to the point of simmering, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop until heated through, adding a little extra liquid if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
You can easily add more vegetables to your Johnnie Marzetti. Consider incorporating diced carrots, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you're adding denser vegetables to ensure everything is cooked through.
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).