Print

Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Food with Gooey Cheese

Johnny Marzetti casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A classic Midwestern casserole featuring ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and lots of melty cheese, delivering pure, nostalgic comfort with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef, lean or regular (85% lean preferred)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 g) canned diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 g) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 pound (450 g) ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to blend flavors and thicken slightly.
  6. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef tomato sauce until well combined.
  7. Spread half the pasta mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella evenly over the first layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
  9. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it should be just shy of tender before baking. Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasiness. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes to deepen flavor and thicken. If cheese browns too fast, cover casserole loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Johnny Marzetti, casserole, ground beef, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://islatable.com/johnny-marzetti-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food-with-gooey-cheese/