If you are craving a comforting, hearty, and downright delicious dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe. This classic casserole combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, rich tomato goodness, tender egg noodles, and melty cheese to create a meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers to enjoy the next day, this recipe hits all the right notes for flavor, texture, and simple homemade comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component is essential, not just for flavor, but also for creating that beautiful balance of textures and colors that make this dish so inviting and memorable.
- 1 lb ground beef: This forms the savory base, giving the casserole its rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture.
- 1½ Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Adds a subtle depth and sweetness without the fuss of chopping fresh onions.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can condensed tomato soup: Brings creaminess and tomato flavor, helping bind everything together.
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce: Intensifies the tomato taste and adds moisture to the mixture.
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a robust and balanced sauce.
- ½ cup water: Keeps the sauce from becoming too thick, ensuring everything melds just right.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Provides a warm, aromatic kick that enhances the overall savory profile.
- ¼ tsp salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- ¼ tsp pepper: Adds a gentle hint of heat and complexity.
- 1 (8-oz) package medium egg noodles: The perfect pasta base offering tender bite and structure to the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a sharp, creamy finish.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy richness that complements the cheddar.
How to Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Once done, drain them thoroughly and set aside — they’re about to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through. As the beef cooks, break it up into small pieces so it mixes smoothly into the sauce later. When browned, drain the excess fat carefully to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Step 4: Create the Flavorful Sauce
Into the skillet with the beef, add the condensed tomato soup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, dried minced onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld perfectly and thicken the sauce slightly.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Meat Sauce
Transfer the drained noodles into the skillet with your meat sauce and toss until every noodle is well coated. This combination is what makes the Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe so comforting — every bite is a perfect harmony of pasta and robust, savory sauce.
Step 6: Assemble and Cheese It Up
Pour the noodle and meat mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top. This cheesy layer will melt and bubble in the oven, creating a golden, irresistible crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to set, then dig into this hearty, homey delight.
How to Serve Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a beautiful pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor that brightens the casserole. If you want a bit more zing, a small pinch of red pepper flakes layered on top before baking gives a gentle heat that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green salads dressed lightly in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also fantastic choices to mop up any leftover sauce. For vegetables, steamed broccoli or roasted green beans add crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese for a personal, impressive touch. You can also customize the casserole by stirring in veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms into the sauce for extra nutrition and vibrant color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Just assemble and bake, then cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil in the oven to keep the cheese from browning further or drying out. Adding a splash of water before reheating helps keep the noodles moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Yes, while medium egg noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils to keep that hearty feel with a vegetarian twist.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Adding veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the meat sauce mixture is a great way to boost nutrition and add delicious layers of flavor.
What kind of cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices for the perfect melty blend, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella provolone, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Do I need to pre-cook the noodles?
Yes, cooking and draining the noodles before combining them with the sauce ensures they remain tender without becoming mushy after baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that combines simple ingredients with big flavors and loads of comforting goodness, the Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe should definitely be on your dinner table rotation. Its ease and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a beloved go-to, perfect for any day of the week. Grab these ingredients and treat yourself to something richly satisfying and wonderfully nostalgic.
Print
Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a comforting, classic American baked pasta dish featuring ground beef, a rich tomato-based sauce, tender egg noodles, and a melty cheese topping. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1½ Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 (10.5-oz) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package medium egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
- Make sauce: To the browned beef, add the condensed tomato soup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, then reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Toss the cooked egg noodles with the meat sauce mixture to coat evenly. Transfer everything into the prepared baking pan and spread out smoothly.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the noodle and meat mixture.
- Bake casserole: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted and become lightly golden.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or basil to the meat sauce.
- Use low-fat cheese to reduce fat content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This casserole freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
