Johnny Marzetti
Johnny Marzetti is a hearty casserole featuring tender noodles mixed with savory ground beef, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, topped with sharp cheese. Its comforting, family-friendly appeal makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying dish that combines bold flavors with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chopped mushrooms in a skillet.
- Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce to the browned meat and vegetables.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Cook wide noodles separately until al dente.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the sauce mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a small or large oblong dish, sprinkle with grated or shredded sharp cheese, and bake if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef, or adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in some cream cheese or sour cream at the end. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as needed, and feel free to experiment with spices to make it your own. This dish pairs beautifully with Quick Veggie Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Johnny Marzetti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also makes a great potluck dish, as it can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. Pair it with a light white wine or iced tea for a refreshing complement to the hearty flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or transfer to a baking dish and heat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Johnny Marzetti contains roughly 559 calories, with 28g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 639mg per serving (28% 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 Johnny Marzetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Assemble it without baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of wide noodles?
If you don't have wide noodles, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or penne. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as smaller pasta may require less time to cook until al dente.
Can I freeze Johnny Marzetti?
Yes, Johnny Marzetti freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until hot throughout.
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).