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Johnny Marzetti Casserole

A comforting and hearty casserole made with pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz Macaroni pasta The classic base that holds all the deliciousness together.
  • 1 lb Ground beef Adds hearty protein and rich flavor to the dish.
  • 1 Onion, diced Sweeter when sautéed, it creates a fantastic flavor foundation.
  • 1 Bell pepper, chopped For a pop of color and crunch.
  • 2 cups Tomato sauce Gives the casserole moisture and a robust tomato flavor.
  • 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded Melts beautifully, adding that gooey goodness we all love.
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder A sprinkle of love for an aromatic touch.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning For depth and a hint of herbal magic.
  • Salt and pepper Simple seasonings that elevate the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it's no longer pink.
  3. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  6. Combine the pasta with the meat sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring each piece of macaroni is coated.
  7. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  2. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Consider adding veggies or different meats for variations.