Johnny Marzetti is a comforting, nostalgic ground beef casserole packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness. With layers of seasoned beef, sausage, pasta, and two types of cheeses, this dish is a hearty family favorite. The combination of Italian sausage and beef gives the casserole a savory depth, while mushrooms, garlic, and Italian seasoning elevate it with robust flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and makes for excellent leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dry rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb mild Italian sausage (bulk)
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ½ lb white mushrooms, washed and chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (15-16 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-16 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
- 1½ cups shredded old cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook until no longer pink and the meat is crumbly.
2. Add Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- While the meat sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Prepare Cheese:
- Grate the Italian cheese blend and old cheddar, placing them in separate containers.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the casserole:
- Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of the dish.
- Add the cooked rotini pasta on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend over the pasta.
- Spread the remaining meat sauce over the cheese.
7. Bake:
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
8. Add Cheddar Topping:
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheddar is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Johnny Marzetti Casserole:
- Customize the Protein: If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef or sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix up the cheese by using mozzarella, provolone, or even Parmesan for added flavor.
- Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
This Johnny Marzetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with cheesy layers, savory meat, and tender pasta. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Leave a Reply