Johnny Marzetti Casserole is a delicious ground beef casserole that combines Penne pasta, ground beef, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese to create a hearty dish that the whole family will get excited to eat.

Johnny Marzetti Casserole

If you have ever been to Ohio you are no stranger to Johnny Marzetti Casserole. I remember visiting a friend for the first time a year or two ago and this is the dish she served my first night! I absolutely fell in love with this dish. It was hearty, comforting, and full of so much flavor. I also fell in love with the story of how it was created right in Columbus, Ohio. Since then I have been hooked and I know you will too as it elevates the traditional spaghetti into the most perfect baked pasta dish that everyone loves.

If you love easy pasta dishes be sure to try our Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Casserole as well as our Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta.

What is Johnny Marzetti Casserole?

The Johnny Marzetti Casserole was originally created in Columbus, Ohio by an Italian immigrant named Teresa Marzetti. It was in that restaurant where this baked pasta dish was created and named after her brother-in-law, Johnny Marzetti. This is one of the most popular dishes throughout the Midwest and continues to grow in popularity throughout the country.

How to Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Do not overcook as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well.
In a large (12 inch) skillet or dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the onions and bell peppers, crumbling the beef as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking until the mushrooms are softened. Drain well and then return the mixture to the skillet.

To the meat and vegetables, add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.

In the pasta pot, combine the meat sauce with the pasta. Stir in half of the cheese. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake the casserole for 30 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and top with the remaining cheese. Continue baking for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Tips Tricks and FAQs

You can easily use a different pasta if you prefer. Try using elbow macaroni, rotini pasta, or an egg noodle.
If you prefer to use a lighter protein, ground turkey is a great option.
You can easily double the recipe. Make one for tonight and one to freeze.

Storage

Store your leftovers covered, or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this is the perfect dish to make in the morning and bake that night! Once you prepare Johnny Marzetti Casserole you will want to cover it and store in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, pull it out of the fridge when you go to preheat the oven and then bake as directed once your oven has preheated.

You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Can you freeze Johnny Marzetti Casserole?

This ground beef casserole freezes and reheats great! I love doubling the recipe and freezing one.

To freeze you will want to follow the recipe according to the directions. Prior to baking, you will want to let it cool and then cover it with aluminum foil. Freeze this dish in the pan for up to 2 months. When you are ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake it in the oven. Note that since it will be cold, it will take a little bit longer to bake.

Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Ingredients

2 cups dry penne pasta
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 pound white mushrooms, sliced
1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, as desired
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Do not overcook as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well.
In a large (12 inch) skillet or dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the onions and bell peppers, crumbling the beef as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking until the mushrooms are softened. Drain well and then return the mixture to the skillet.
To the meat and vegetables, add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
In the pasta pot, combine the meat sauce with the pasta. Stir in half of the cheese. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and top with the remaining cheese. Continue baking for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 561Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 772mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 40g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Johnny Marzetti Casserole