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Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Johnny Marzetti Casserole
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Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make baked dish combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers hearty flavors and quick preparation, making it a beloved classic that brings everyone together at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Others

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep it firm for the casserole bake.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and crumbled.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until onions are translucent and fragrant, enhancing the base flavors.
  4. Combine tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors and create a rich sauce.
  5. Mix pasta, beef sauce, and cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato mixture. Transfer half of this mixture into a greased baking dish, layer with half the shredded cheddar cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese to create gooey layers.
  6. Bake until bubbly: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest a few minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and prevents mushiness after baking.
  • Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Layer cheese to create melty pockets throughout the dish.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking so it sets and slices cleanly.
  • Use quality sharp cheddar or blend with mozzarella for best flavor and meltability.

Nutrition

Keywords: Johnny Marzetti, casserole, ground beef casserole, baked pasta, family dinner, comfort food, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/johnny-marzetti-casserole/