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Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked pasta dish featuring rotini pasta, a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, all combined with tomato sauce and topped with a melty blend of sharp cheddar and Italian cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, this classic casserole is easy to prepare and packed with rich flavors.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ lb ground Italian sausage
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Sauces

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1½ cups shredded Italian blend cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
  3. Brown Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. When the meat is halfway browned, add the sliced mushrooms, onions, and diced red bell pepper. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned, the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, and the onions become soft and translucent.
  4. Add Seasonings and Sauce: Lower the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried marjoram. Cook for about one minute until fragrant. Then, add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Combine the cooked meat and vegetable mixture with the drained pasta in the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly, then top the mixture with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese followed by the shredded Italian blend cheese.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the meat.
  • Use any short pasta in place of rotini if preferred, such as penne or elbow macaroni.
  • Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • To make this dish ahead, assemble it without baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top after baking can enhance flavor and presentation.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/johnny-marzetti-casserole-recipe/