Johnny Marzetti Casserole

This Johnny Marzetti casserole is a delicious recipe that has something for everyone. It's loaded with a flavorful hearty meat sauce, al dente pasta noodles, and tons of melted cheese. This is an easy-to-make casserole that tastes like it came straight from the restaurant!

The Best Johnny Marzetti Casserole

If you've never heard of Johnny Marzetti casserole, you've got to try this recipe!

It's similar to American goulash and is a take on the original Johnny Marzetti recipe, but it's layered in casserole form to make it even better. 

This Johnny Marzetti casserole is packed with pasta, ground beef, ground pork sausage, and a flavorful mix of onion, mushroom, and tomatoes cooked in the tomato sauce. Then it's topped off with the perfect blend of ooey-gooey cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.

How delicious does that sound?!

As with most casseroles, this Johnny Marzetti casserole is so quick to make with a low-maintenance cooking process. It's the perfect recipe for a large gathering if you're hosting a family weeknight dinner. 

The casserole is hearty and satisfying enough to serve alone, but you can serve it with this house salad and garlic bread for the full Marzetti restaurant experience. 

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to make. After you cook the meat and veggies, you just have to let the sauce simmer and assemble the casserole. It may seem intimidating, but I promise this recipe is effortless.

Crowd favorite. I love to make Johnny Marzetti casserole when I'm hosting a big crowd. Both kids and adults always love it and go in for seconds and thirds! 

Winning combination. From the three kinds of cheese to the hearty meat sauce and pasta, there's a lot to love about this casserole.

Ingredients

This Johnny Marzetti casserole is so flavorful, but it's actually made with really simple ingredients.

Check out what you need to make it:

• 2 cups rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1lb. ground beef
• 0.5lb. mild pork sausage
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 0.5lb. mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 15oz. can diced tomatoes
• 10 oz. can tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese blend, cheddar and mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
• 1 cup grated parmesan

If you have any leftover pasta sauce and cheese, you have to give this ravioli casserole a try next. It's another delicious pasta casserole recipe I think you'll love.

How To Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish with some cooking spray. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

2. Cook meat: While the pasta is cooking, add the ground beef and sausage of your choice into a large pot or large skillet. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until it's browned on all sides, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot.

3. Cook the veggies: Add the onions and mushrooms to the meat mixture and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes or until it's fragrant. 

4. Make the meat sauce: Stir in the basil, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and parmesan cheese with the cooked meat and veggies. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.

5. Assemble the casserole: Add some of the meat sauce to cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish, and add the cooked pasta on top. Add the remaining meat sauce on top of that and cover the casserole with aluminum foil. 

6. Bake and serve: Bake the casserole for 45 minutes. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend. Cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted. Let the finished Johnny Marzetti casserole cool slightly before slicing, then serve warm and enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Cook the pasta to al dente since it cooks more while the casserole bakes in the oven.
• Try using egg noodles for a different texture and flavor.
• Use Italian sausage instead of mild pork sausage to add a different flavor.
• Use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner casserole
• Add more veggies like bell pepper or shredded carrots.
• Use an Italian cheese blend instead of mozzarella and cheddar. 

How To Store Johnny Marzetti Casserole

In the fridge: Store any leftover Johnny Marzetti casserole in an airtight container or wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

In the freezer: You can also freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months.

Reheating: Transfer the leftovers to a baking dish and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-20 minutes until it's heated through. Add more time for the frozen casserole or let it thaw in the fridge overnight first.

FAQS About This Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe

What can I serve with Johnny Marzetti casserole?

It's delicious with this La Scala chopped salad, zucchini tomato casserole, and this Italian cheese bread.

Why is it called Johnny Marzetti casserole?

This casserole got its name from an original dish from an Italian restaurant called Marzetti's Restaurant. It opened in Columbus, Ohio, in 1896. One of the dishes was the Johnny Marzetti pasta, named after the brother-in-law of Teresa Marzetti.

What's the difference between Johnny Marzetti casserole and goulash?

Although Johnny Marzetti casserole and goulash are very similar, there are some key differences. Goulash has more ingredients added to the sauce for a different flavor, and it's typically cooked all on the stovetop. 

More Recipes

• Italian casserole
• Tortellini bake
• John Wayne casserole
• Spaghetti casserole
• Cheesy baked tortellini casserole
• Baked spaghetti and meatballs