Johnny Mozette
Johnny Mozette is a hearty casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 3 lb ground beef
- 5 large onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large bunch celery, chopped ⓘ
- 5 large green peppers, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large bottle stuffed olives, drained
- 1 lb wide noodles or macaroni, raw ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 can spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry ground beef, onions, celery, and green peppers in as little oil as possible until tender.
- Add stuffed olives, noodles, tomato soup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and spaghetti sauce (rinsing each can with half a can of water).
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle top with sharp cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like oregano or basil to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked noodles instead of raw. For a twist, substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Johnny Mozette with a simple side salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a nice touch. This dish also pairs beautifully with Meatballs With A Tang for a hearty dinner spread. For a lighter option, consider steamed vegetables on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Johnny Mozette contains roughly 344 calories, with 11g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1078mg per serving (47% 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?
Yes, you can substitute the wide noodles or macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed, especially for smaller pasta shapes, to ensure they cook properly in the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Johnny Mozette up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming from the fridge.
What can I serve with Johnny Mozette?
In addition to garlic bread and a salad, you might consider serving a side of roasted vegetables or a light soup. For those looking for a heartier meal, pairing with additional beef recipes like Crispy Meatballs can create a delightful feast that will satisfy everyone.
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).