Marzetti(Yields 8 Servings)
A hearty, cheesy meat and noodle casserole featuring savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and rich tomato flavors. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages. Easy to prepare and bake to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz) cans mushroom pieces
- 1 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 lb shredded cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp shortening ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz) cans condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 2/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) package wide noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet; add chopped onion, green pepper, mushrooms, salt, oregano, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add tomato soup, tomato paste, water, and Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes.
- Cook the wide noodles until tender; drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a well-greased large baking dish, spread half of the cooked noodles. Cover with half of the meat mixture and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with remaining noodles, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the meat mixture. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce is a decent substitute. You can also use any type of pasta if wide noodles aren't available, but cooking times may vary. For a healthier version, swap ground beef for lean turkey or even lentils to create a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Marzetti with a side salad for a fresh contrast, or pair it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. It also goes well with steamed vegetables or a simple green bean dish. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Sloppy Pockets for a casual gathering with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marzetti(Yields 8 Servings) contains roughly 446 calories, with 15g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1090mg 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 make Marzetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Marzetti a day in advance. Assemble the layers in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the shredded cheese?
If you want a different flavor, try using mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, or use a plant-based cheese substitute that melts well.
Can I freeze Marzetti?
Absolutely! Marzetti freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).