This Johnny Marzetti casserole is a classic Midwestern casserole from the great state of Ohio-AND one of my favorite recipes on the blog! It's cheesy, beefy, and has just the right amount of carbs to satisfy your cravings.
Plus, it's super easy to make. I think you'll love it, too!
Next time this amazing Beef Stroganoff with Mushroom Soup, super cheesy and rich, we love this meal!
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe irresistible
- Ingredients you'll need
- Creative variations to try
- Step-by-step instructions
- Essential tools for this recipe
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
- Deb's tips for the perfect dish
- How to store leftovers
- More recipes you'll love
- Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- Johnny Marzetti Recipe
What makes this recipe irresistible
I haven't found many casseroles I don't love, and this cheesy hamburger casserole is another great example! It's hearty, family-friendly, and easy to make.
This cheesy casserole is kid-friendly; even the picky eaters in your family will love it. Think of it as American Goulash in casserole form!
Ingredients you'll need
You'll need a handful of basic ingredients. For the exact measurements for the ground beef casserole, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- one pound ground beef, if you'd prefer substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- onions
- green pepper, though you can certainly use a yellow, orange or red bell pepper too.
- Montreal Steak seasoning
- spaghetti sauce
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
- chili powder
- frozen corn
- Macaroni noodles though you can use any small pasta noodles.
- Italian cheese blend
Creative variations to try
- Instead of an Italian cheese blend, you can use cheddar cheese or your family's favorite cheese for this recipe.
- Switch out the beef for Italian sausage or ground pork for a more Italian flavor.
- If you want to add extra vegetables to this recipe, you can add in diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Make a milder version by swapping tomato sauce or tomato soup for Rotel in this recipe.
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions for the baked casserole dish. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom!
- Preheat the oven. Prep the 9x13 casserole dish, and set aside.
- Cook the macaroni to al dente, according to the package instructions, and drain well.
- Brown the ground beef, diced onion and green peppers in a large skillet-and season. Drain fat if desired.
- Place the meat mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add the frozen corn, drained pasta, canned diced tomatoes with chiles and spaghetti sauce. Mix to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Top with cheese. Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes or hot and bubbly.
- Optional - Remove foil, place under broiler for 2 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Top with sliced onions or parsley for serving.
Essential tools for this recipe
- casserole dish
- large pot or dutch oven
- large skillet
- aluminum foil
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Italian immigrant Teresa Marzetti, part of the Marzetti family, created this simple dish in the early 1900s. It is named after her husband, Johnny, who owned the Marzetti restaurant, an Italian restaurant in Columbus, Ohio.
The main difference between the two dishes is that one is baked and another is typically made in a skillet on the stovetop.
Yes, you can use any shape of pasta your family prefers. I like to use elbow macaroni or egg noodles for this recipe.
Yes, brown all the ingredients and add them to the slow cooker for an easy meal that your entire family will enjoy.
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. The pasta will continue cooking while in the oven.
- If you use lean ground beef, add a small amount of olive oil to your skillet to prevent the beef from sticking.
This iconic American casserole is a real crowd-pleaser!
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - The baked casserole will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Freezer- I do not recommend freezing this casserole as the pasta can become mushy when reheated. However, if you don't mind the texture change, you can freeze this casserole for up to three months.
Reheat - to reheat, place the desired amount in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees until heated through. Or you can reheat single servings in the microwave at 50% for one to two minutes.
More recipes you'll love
If you're looking for a new go-to comfort food dish, try this hearty dish. Like the crock pot steak and potatoes recipe, it's one of our favorite family dinners!
- The Unstuffed Pepper Casserole is hearty and delicious without all the fussy prep of the original dish!
- Another couple super yummy ground beef dishes are is the John Wayne Casserole and the Hamburger Casserole Recipe - both are easy recipes and SO good!
- Hungry for TexMex? Be sue to give the Frito Pie Casserole a try real soon!
- The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the most popular recipe on the blog!
- American Chop Suey - just like mama used to make! This is super yummy comfort food!
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- You can't have a cheesy pasta recipe like this one, without garlic bread. And, you can't get better garlic bread than this Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe.
- If you are looking for a simple green salad that your whole family will love, then this Outback Wedge Salad recipe is the recipe for you.
- After a hearty meal like this pasta casserole, I like to serve a creamy dessert-like sweet Butterscotch Pudding recipe.
This recipe is SO GOOD! Did you love it too? I can't wait to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and thanks!
Johnny Marzetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon Montreal Steak seasoning
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce use your favorite brand!
- 10 ounces can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chiles)
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 2 cups dried macaroni style pasta
- 3 cups Italian cheese blend divided
- 1 sliced green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil for the macaroni. Cook the macaroni to al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion and green peppers to the skillet. Season with steak seasoning and chili powder. Sauté until softened and the meat is no longer pink. Drain fat if desired.
- Place the meat mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add the frozen corn, cooked pasta, canned diced tomatoes with chiles and spaghetti sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Top with cheese. Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes or hot and bubbly.
- Optional - Remove foil, place under broiler for 2 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Top with sliced onions or parsley for serving.
Jean says
Have to say never heard of a Johnny Marzetti casserole. I was born and raised in the south (North Carolina). But have to say it's a interesting sounding casserole that I will need to try.
Debra Clark says
Enjoy Jean, this casserole is SO GOOD!!