Johnny Marzetti (Pasta Bake)

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke nostalgia quite like Johnny Marzetti. This hearty casserole, loaded with pasta, ground meat, savory sauce, and of course cheese, is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in and it's super simple to put together.

I had this in my grade school on regular rotation thanks to our fabulous lunch ladies, who made everything from scratch.  My Mom even obtained a recipe or two from them after I would come home and tell her about a particularly memorable dish I had at school.

A FEW SIMPLE INGREDIENTS ARE ALL YOU NEED,

Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to get you started:

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
• Ground Meat: Beef, sausage, or turkey work well. You can also make it vegetarian by using lentils or mushrooms.
• Tomato Sauce: A mix of canned tomatoes, preferably fire roasted gives tons of flavor
• Onions and Celery: Sautéed for added flavor.
• Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices for that perfect cheesy topping.

ALL MIXED UP & READY TO BAKE

Originating from a small Italian restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, in the 1920s, Johnny Marzetti has since become a beloved staple across the midwest.

What Is Johnny Marzetti?
At its core, Johnny Marzetti is a baked pasta dish that combines elbow macaroni, ground beef or sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and a blend of cheese. The ingredients are mixed together and baked until bubbly and golden, resulting in a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and serve.

BAKED & OUT OF THE OVEN IN ITS CHEESY OOZINESS

How to Make Johnny Marzetti

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground meat with diced onions and bell peppers until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3. Mix the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chili powder to the skillet. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in half of the cheese for extra gooeyness.
5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad and some garlic bread.

Variations to Try
One of the best things about Johnny Marzetti is its versatility. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Vegetable-packed: Add your favorite veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a nutritious twist.
• Spicy kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Different cheeses: Experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor.

Johnny Marzetti is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and togetherness. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories (like those of my beloved lunch ladies)  or introducing this dish to a new generation, it’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. So gather your family and friends, whip up this delicious casserole, and enjoy a taste of nostalgia that never goes out of style!

  GREAT KNIFE SET                            CASSEROLE DISH                                            SMITHEY IRON SKILLET

Johnny Marzetti
Serves 6-8


8 ounces pasta, cooked (macaroni or rotini)
8 ounces shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar
1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef (or turkey or sausage)
1 onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil.
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 28 ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
1 14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
Small handful chopped parsley for garnish if desired


Preheat oven to  350 degrees.

In a medium skillet saute the onion, celery and mushrooms in the olive oil with 1/2 teaspoon salt until the onions are translucent and celery begins to soften.

Add in the ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt and chili powder and cook mixture together until the ground beef is cooked through.

Transfer to a large bowl to mix or mix directly in your casserole.  To bake you'll need a 9 x 13 inch pan or similar sized casserole.

Add in the tomatoes and half the cheese, giving everything a thorough mix.

Top with remaining cheese and bake about 30 minutes, or until cheese is melty and begins to brown.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and cool slightly before serving.