Johnny Marzetti Recipe

Johnny Marzetti is one of those dishes that has been around for years and is a true comfort food recipe in our house. If you’re from the Midwest, like I am, you’ve probably had this casserole at potlucks, family gatherings, or even school lunches.

It’s a hearty, comforting dish that combines pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese into one delicious casserole. While there are many variations of Johnny Marzetti, this recipe stays close to the original, which is said to have been created in the early 1900s by Teresa Marzetti, the owner of a popular Columbus, Ohio restaurant.

Her version was named after her brother-in-law, Johnny, and quickly became a favorite not only in Columbus but throughout the Midwest. Over the years, people have added their own twists to the recipe – some use different types of pasta, others add vegetables like mushrooms or celery, and some even swap the ground beef for sausage.

But at its core, Johnny Marzetti is about true comfort food that is budget friendly, yet still fills you up and leaves you feeling satisfied.

However, most recipes that you will find are designed for large, family size portions. Therefore, I have adapted our family recipe that made enough to feed a crowd, into a smaller portion recipe that makes 4 servings.

This is perfect when you want both a delicious dinner on a busy weeknight but have enough leftover for lunch or dinner later in the week. And as with many casserole dishes, I believe the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Johnny Marzetti Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 ounces dry macaroni noodles
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 small green pepper, diced
• 1/2 lb. lean ground beef*
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 5 oz. petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese, divided

*If you purchased a pound of ground beef, be sure to save the other half of the meat to make my Crock Pot Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s another classic recipe that we often make here in Ohio.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Cook the Pasta:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. And then spray an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

The first step is preparing Johnny Marzetti is to cook the pasta. You can use anywhere between 4-5 ounces of pasta. Do this by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni noodles. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes.

You don’t want to overcook it because it will continue to soften in the oven. Once the pasta is done, drain it and drizzle it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Return the pasta to the pot and set it aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables and Ground Beef:

While the pasta is cooking, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and green pepper. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they’re softened.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it completely browns.

3. Add the Garlic and Seasonings:

Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then return the beef mixture to the pan. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Johnny Marzetti Sauce Ingredients:

Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and oregano to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

If you like a touch of sweetness, you can add the optional 1/4 teaspoon of sugar as it helps cut the acidity from the tomato products. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Mix the Pasta and Beef Mixture:

Pour the cooked macaroni noodles in with the beef and tomato mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

Then, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Italian blend cheese to the mix. Stir until the cheese is melts.

6. Assemble and Bake:

Transfer the mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Italian blend cheese on top.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns light golden brown in spots.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the casserole is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish it with chopped parsley if you prefer.

Serve it warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Ohio dish.

Tips for Making Johnny Marzetti

• Use a Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key part of this dish, so I recommend using a good quality cheddar and Italian blend. If you can, shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese – it melts better and has a fresher flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, it’s important to cook it just until al dente. This ensures it doesn’t become mushy in the final dish.
• Customize It: While this recipe stays close to the original, feel free to add your own touches. You can include mushrooms, celery, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Make It Ahead: Johnny Marzetti is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What I love most about this recipe is that it is easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and can be customized to suit your tastes.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or want something comforting and satisfying on the weekend, I hope you enjoy this classic Ohio meal as much as we do!

Enjoy! Mary

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