The Best Saucy Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe - Bowl Me Over (2024)

This Johnny Marzetti casserole is one of my favorites - it's cheesy, beefy, and just the right amount of carbs to satisfy cravings. Plus, it's super easy to make, which is always a bonus!

Next time this amazing Beef Stroganoff with Mushroom Soup, super cheesy and rich, we love this meal!

Why you'll love this recipe

Don't you love a cheesy hamburger casserole? They are hearty and family-friendly and easy to make. Love that!

✔️ It's an easy, one-dish meal that the entire family will enjoy.

✔️ Just like the meal served in the original restaurant, this hearty comfort food meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

✔️ Topped with lots of cheese, this is a kid-friendly; even the picky eaters in your family will love this cheesy casserole.

Ingredients

You'll need a handful of basic ingredients. For the exact measurements for the ground beef casserole, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• one pound ground beef, if you'd prefer substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
• onions
• green pepper, though you can certainly use a yellow, orange or red bell pepper too.
• Montreal Steak seasoning
• spaghetti sauce
• Roteldiced tomatoes and green chiles
• chili powder
• frozen corn
• Macaroni noodles though you can use any small pasta noodles.
• Italian cheese blend

Variations

• Instead of an Italian cheese blend, you can use cheddar cheese or your family's favorite cheese for this recipe.
• Switch out the beef for Italian sausage or ground pork for a more Italian flavor.
• If you want to add extra vegetables to this recipe, you can add in diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Make a milder version by swapping tomato sauce or tomato soup for Rotel in this recipe.

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions for the baked casserole dish. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom!

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray the casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil for the macaroni. Cook the macaroni to al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion and green peppers to the skillet—season with steak seasoning and chili powder. Sauté until softened and the meat is no longer pink. Drain fat if desired.
4. Place the meat mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add the frozen corn, past, canned diced tomatoes with chiles and spaghetti sauce. Mix the meat sauce and combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Top with cheese. Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes or hot and bubbly.
6. Optional - Remove foil, place under broiler for 2 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Top with sliced onions or parsley for serving.

Equipment

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• casserole dish
• large pot or dutch oven
• large skillet
• aluminum foil

FAQ's

Things to know

• Make sure to only cook the pasta to al dente. The pasta will continue cooking while in the oven.
• Brown the beef until it is no longer pink, and the onions and peppers are tender.
• I recommend spraying your baking dish well with nonstick cooking spray so that cleaning up is a breeze.
• If you use lean ground beef, add a small amount of olive oil to your skillet to prevent the beef from sticking.

This iconic American casserole is a real crowd-pleaser!

Storage

Refrigerate - The baked casserole will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezer- I do not recommend freezing this casserole as the pasta can become mushy when reheated. However, if you don't mind the texture change, you can freeze this casserole for up to three months.

Reheat - to reheat, place the desired amount in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees until heated through. Or you can reheat single servings in the microwave at 50% for one to two minutes.

If you're looking for a new go-to comfort food dish, try this hearty dish. Like the crock pot steak and potatoes recipe, it's one of our favorite family dinners!

• Are you looking for a new family favorite casserole recipe? Then, you need to try this King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe soon!
• The Unstuffed Pepper Casserole is hearty and delicious without all the fussy prep of the original dish!
• Another couple super yummy ground beef dishes are is the John Wayne Casserole and the Hamburger Casserole Recipe - both are easy recipes and SO good!
• Hungry for TexMex? Be sue to give the Frito Pie Casserole a try real soon!
• The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the most popular recipe on the blog!
• Next time you are craving a tasty dish that is filled with comforting flavor, look no further than this Ultimate Chicken Noodle Casserole. It's one of the most popular pasta casseroles on the blog.
• If you are a fan of a classic pasta casserole using cream of mushroom soup, then you will love this Tuna Casserole Recipe!
• American Chop Suey - just like mama used to make! This is super yummy comfort food!

Serve with

• You can't have a cheesy pasta recipe like this one, without garlic bread. And, you can't get better garlic bread than this Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe.
• If you are looking for a simple green salad that your whole family will love, then this Outback Wedge Salad recipe is the recipe for you.
• After a hearty meal like this pasta casserole, I like to serve a creamy dessert-like sweet Butterscotch Pudding recipe.

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If you love this recipe please leave a⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!

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