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
Scale
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.
