Johnny Mozzetti
Johnny Mozzetti is a hearty baked pasta dish featuring ground beef, creamy soups, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comforting occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck with chopped onions and green pepper in a skillet until tender and well done.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the meat mixture into a 13 x 9 x 3-inch baking pan.
- Add the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the meat mixture, stirring to combine.
- Cook the egg noodles in boiling water until done, then drain.
- Add the cooked noodles to the meat and soup mixture, mixing well.
- Top the casserole with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes. If you're short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of ground chuck. You can also substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter option. This dish is versatile and can accommodate various tastes, so feel free to get creative!
Serving Suggestions
Johnny Mozzetti is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Serve it with a side salad for a fresh contrast, or pair it with Corn Bread With Broccoli for a comforting meal. This dish also goes well with a light vegetable side or garlic bread. For a complete experience, consider topping it with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Johnny Mozzetti contains roughly 387 calories, with 16g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 576mg per serving (25% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Johnny Mozzetti a day in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, you may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you prefer a different base, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree as a substitute for tomato soup. For a creamy option, consider using a mixture of diced tomatoes and a bit of cream or milk. This will still give you a delicious flavor without the canned soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative like tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of the soups for a lighter base. This way, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying dish while sticking to vegetarian recipes.
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).