Johnny Marzetti Casserole: Your New Family Favorite Easy Weeknight Dinner

A Taste of Home: Why Johnny Marzetti Casserole is the Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Were Missing

Have you ever wondered what comfort tastes like? In our house, it’s the rich, savory aroma of a bubbling casserole, a dish that wraps you in a warm hug from the inside out. For me, that’s the magic of a Johnny Marzetti Casserole. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a story in a dish, a taste of my Midwestern upbringing that I find myself returning to again and again. This isn’t just another pasta bake; it’s a classic American comfort food that has graced family dinner tables for generations. If you’re searching for a simple, hearty, and utterly delicious recipe that will have your family asking for seconds, you’ve found it.

This Easy Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Cheese is a true one-pan wonder, a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need something nourishing and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese to create a symphony of flavors and textures that is both nostalgic and exciting. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, sparking conversations and creating memories. So, let’s get cooking and bring a taste of my home to yours.

Why You’ll Love This Johnny Marzetti Casserole

• Incredibly Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With simple, straightforward steps, you can have a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort. It’s a true “set it and forget it” kind of dish that does all the hard work for you in the oven.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this cheesy, beefy casserole. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for the little ones, and the familiar flavors are sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s a go to for an Easy Cheeseburger Casserole night.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is a meal prepper’s dream. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, or store leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it again and again.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Made with simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, this recipe is as easy on your wallet as it is on your taste buds. It’s a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a meal that will feed the whole family.

Ingredients for Johnny Marzetti Casserole

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Substitutions: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based ground meat alternative. Feel free to add in any extra vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.

How to Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium high heat until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.
6. Pour half of the meat and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
7. Top with the remaining meat and pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Spice it up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce. You can also add some diced jalapeños for a spicier version.
• Make it creamy: For a creamier casserole, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the meat sauce before adding the pasta.
• Add more veggies: This is a great recipe to clean out your produce drawer. Add in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for an extra boost of nutrition. For a similar dish loaded with veggies, check out our 30-Minute Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten free, simply use your favorite gluten free pasta. There are many great options available, so you won’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• For a different take on a beef and starch combo, try our One-Pan Ground Beef Fried Rice.

Storage & Reheating for Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQ about Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any type of short pasta you have on hand. Penne, ziti, or rotini would all work well in this recipe.

What’s the difference between Johnny Marzetti and American Goulash?
While they share similar ingredients, Johnny Marzetti is typically a baked casserole with a layer of melted cheese on top, while American Goulash is more of a stovetop dish, similar to a thick stew. For another hearty beef dish, check out this Quick and Easy Beef and Macaroni.

Final Thoughts on Johnny Marzetti Casserole

I hope you love this Johnny Marzetti Casserole as much as my family does. It’s a dish that’s full of love, history, and flavor, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home. If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later. For more simple and delicious recipes, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!