Johnny Marzette
Johnny Marzette is a hearty casserole featuring seasoned ground meats, flavorful vegetables, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. Its comforting flavors and satisfying texture make it an ideal family meal or entertaining dish, combining savory, cheesy, and vegetable notes in a colorful, filling presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup Chef Boyardee mushroom tomato sauce
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 cup stuffed green olives ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms with liquid ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 pound ground pork ⓘ
- 1 pound broad noodles, cooked ⓘ
- 1 cup margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and ground pork in margarine.
- Mix all ingredients together, including the cooked noodles.
- Put the mixture into a 14 x 9-inch roasting pan.
- Sprinkle the top with 2 cups grated American cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian seasoning to the meat as it browns. If you don't have broad noodles, any pasta shape will work, though shorter varieties like penne may hold the sauce better. You can substitute the margarine with butter for a creamier texture. For a healthier option, use ground turkey instead of beef and pork, or try whole grain pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread to balance the flavors. A side of roasted vegetables would also complement the meal nicely. For a twist, consider pairing it with Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli for a pasta night theme, or serve it alongside baked beans for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Johnny Marzette contains roughly 384 calories, with 19g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (45% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. At about 384 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef and pork with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils. Ensure that the sauces you use are also vegetarian-friendly, and consider adding more vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of Chef Boyardee mushroom tomato sauce?
If you don't have Chef Boyardee sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and some sautéed mushrooms. Add a pinch of Italian herbs to mimic the flavor profile and ensure a similar consistency.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the meat mixture while browning. You can also top the dish with sliced pickled jalapeños before baking to intensify the flavor. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference for the perfect kick.
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).