This Johnny Marzetti casserole is a Midwest comfort food classic that originated in Ohio and has been winning over families for generations. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, pasta, vegetables, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, it's a hearty meal that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
What makes this recipe irresistible
If you love simple family dinners that feed a crowd, this cheesy baked pasta casserole deserves a spot on your menu. Think of it as a cross between American goulash and a baked pasta dish; warm, comforting, and packed with flavor.
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.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients you'll need
Creative variations to try
- Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground pork, or ground turkey.
- Use cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite shredded cheese blend.
- Add sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, or extra diced tomatoes for more vegetables.
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions for the baked casserole dish.
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! This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator. You may also want to cover it with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
Don't skip the two-minute broil at the end. Those golden, bubbly cheese edges add extra flavor and make this hearty casserole even more irresistible. Keep a close eye on it-it goes from golden brown to burnt in a hurry! 😄
More recipes you'll love
- 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!
What to serve with your casserole
This hearty casserole is comfort food at its finest, so let's round out the meal! A basket of warm Air Fryer Garlic Bread is a must for scooping up every last bit of that rich tomato sauce. Add a crisp Outback Wedge Salad to balance all that cheesy goodness, then finish things off with a bowl of creamy Butterscotch Pudding.
Trust me, nobody is leaving the table hungry!
Comfort food worth sharing
Whether you're feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy dinner that brings everyone to the table, Johnny Marzetti casserole delivers every time. With seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, it's easy to see why this Midwest favorite has stood the test of time.
Give it a try and let me know what you think-I love hearing how these family recipes become part of your dinner rotation!
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!!