Johnny Margetti
A hearty baked pasta casserole with seasoned ground beef, mushrooms, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers craving rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger, chopped onion, and garlic in a skillet.
- Add mushrooms to the meat mixture and simmer.
- Cook macaroni until tender and drain.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat and mushroom mixture.
- Add tomato sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and grated cheese, then mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 12-inch pan and top with additional grated cheese.
- Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey instead of hamburger for a lighter version. You can also swap the Colby or Cheddar cheese for mozzarella for a different taste. If you like it spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked. This dish can be made ahead and is perfect for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Johnny Margetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to complement the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Bama Baked Beans for a hearty meal. For a lighter side, consider Pasta Vegetable Salad to balance the flavors. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Johnny Margetti contains roughly 290 calories, with 11g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1651mg per serving (72% 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 other types of pasta instead of macaroni?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type, as some may require longer or shorter cooking times.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, Johnny Margetti is great for freezing! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the onions and hamburger to ensure they are tender and flavorful before mixing them into the dish.
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).