Johnny Mazette
A hearty and cheesy casserole with tender noodles, savory meats, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests craving rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, pork sausage, chopped onion, and chopped pepper together in a large skillet.
- Add chopped celery, canned mushrooms, tomato juice, and canned tomatoes to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cooked wide noodles to the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Just before serving, add three-quarters of a package of Velveeta cheese and stir until melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try incorporating garlic powder or Italian herbs into the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter dish, or use a combination of different cheeses instead of Velveeta for a sharper taste. If you enjoy creamy textures, consider adding a dollop of sour cream when serving. This dish is also reminiscent of comforting American recipes like Shipwreck Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Johnny Mazette hot, garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese for a pop of color. This hearty dish pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside My Beef Stew for an even heartier dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of tomato juice or water to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Johnny Mazette contains roughly 496 calories, with 24g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1098mg per serving (48% 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 instead of wide noodles?
Yes, you can substitute wide noodles with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking while maintaining its delicious flavors.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and pork sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for a richer taste.
Can I freeze Johnny Mazette for later use?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove or in the microwave 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).