Johnny Marzetti Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a classic Midwest dish that brings a delicious mix of ground beef, pasta, and cheese into one irresistible meal.
With its comforting, hearty flavors, it has been a favorite in American households for generations. Whether you prepare it in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach or bake it in the oven for a quicker finish, this casserole always delivers big on flavor.
This recipe combines juicy ground beef, mild Italian sausage, and a perfect blend of cheeses, all baked together with pasta and tomatoes to create a warm, inviting dish.
The Johnny Marzetti Casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. Its versatility makes it a go-to comfort food that’s easy to adapt based on what you have in your pantry.
One of the best things about Johnny Marzetti Casserole is its simplicity. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting dish using either a slow cooker or your oven, so you can choose the method that fits your schedule best!
Key Ingredients for Johnny Marzetti Casserole
Ground Beef – Adds a rich, savory flavor and protein to the casserole, forming the base of this classic dish.
Mild Italian Sausage – Enhances the flavor profile with a mild spiciness and adds depth to the meat mixture.
Rotini Pasta – The perfect pasta for this casserole, its spirals hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Onion and Mushrooms – Add a layer of earthy sweetness and a bit of texture, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce – Provide the juicy, tangy base for the sauce, infusing the casserole with classic Italian flavors.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano and basil, which enhances the dish’s aromatic quality.
Italian Cheese Blend and Cheddar Cheese – Melt together to create a creamy, gooey topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
Simple Steps to Make Your Casserole Delicious!
Preheat your oven to 350°F if using the oven method. Cook the rotini pasta until it’s just shy of al dente, since it will continue to cook in the casserole.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Mix in the onions and mushrooms, and cook until soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for a few minutes.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
Grease a 9×13 casserole dish or the inside of a slow cooker. Spread a small amount of sauce at the bottom, add the cooked pasta, then layer with Italian cheese.
Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta and cheese. Cover and cook in the oven for 45 minutes or in the slow cooker on low for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
When done, top with cheddar cheese and let it melt before serving hot.
Recipe Tips for the Perfect Johnny Marzetti Casserole
Pasta Texture: Cook your pasta slightly firm to prevent it from becoming too soft while baking.
Flavor Boost: Sautéing the garlic briefly after adding it helps release its full flavor, enhancing the dish.
Cheese Choice: Feel free to mix up the cheeses – a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan would work great, too!
Creative Variations to Try
Johnny Marzetti Casserole can be customized easily! Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value. For a spicier kick, try using hot Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
Storing Leftovers with Ease
Store any leftover Johnny Marzetti Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
If freezing, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual.
With its hearty ingredients and easy preparation, Johnny Marzetti Casserole is sure to become a new favorite comfort food in your household!
Johnny Marzetti Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker / Crockpot or Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
- 2 cups dry rotini pasta
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 pound white mushrooms washed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can 15-16 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15-16 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
- 1 1/2 cups shredded old Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is firm al dente, as it will continue to cook in the casserole.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Once browned, add the chopped onions and mushrooms. Continue to cook until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, then set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or the inside of the slow cooker. Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom. Add the cooked pasta on top, followed by a layer of the shredded Italian cheese blend. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or if using a slow cooker, cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Once done, uncover and sprinkle the shredded old Cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Dish up the casserole while hot and enjoy!
Notes
FAQ
Can this casserole be made and frozen for later use?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole, freeze it, and then heat it in the oven or a crock pot. Just thaw it in the refrigerator beforehand and bake until heated through, or heat it on low in the crock pot.
What size casserole dish should I use for this recipe?
A 9×13-inch casserole dish is ideal for this recipe. It provides enough space for the ingredients to bake evenly and gives you the right thickness for the casserole.
Can I use a different type of pasta if I don’t have rotini?
Yes, elbow macaroni, rigatoni, or wide noodles can all be used as substitutes for rotini. Many people have tried these variations with great results.
How do I add extra flavor to this dish?
For added flavor, you can include ingredients like sautéed garlic, green olives, or substitute diced tomatoes with spicier options like Rotel. Adding cheese like sharp cheddar or Asiago on top before baking can also enhance the flavor.
