Comfort food doesn’t get more nostalgic than Classic Johnny Marzetti Casserole. This hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish has been a beloved family favorite for generations. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate easy ground beef pasta bake for weeknight dinners and potlucks.

Originally created in the early 20th century, Johnny Marzetti became popular in the Midwest and quickly spread across American households. Its affordability, simplicity, and satisfying flavor made it a staple in community gatherings, school cafeterias, and family kitchens.

Today, this vintage casserole recipe continues to deliver warmth, nostalgia, and unbeatable flavor.

Why You’ll Love Johnny Marzetti Casserole

Budget-friendly ingredients
Feeds a crowd
Perfect for meal prep
Kid-approved
Freezer-friendly
Classic, hearty comfort food

This baked macaroni with beef is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something filling and dependable.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer mixture for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni with beef mixture.
Stir in 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella.
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese evenly.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Johnny Marzetti

Cook Pasta Al Dente

Slightly firm pasta prevents overcooking during baking.

Drain the Beef Well

Removing excess grease keeps casserole from becoming oily.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Let It Rest

Resting allows the casserole to set and slice neatly.

Variations

Add Vegetables

Incorporate mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Creamier Twist

Stir in ½ cup sour cream for extra richness.

Turkey Option

Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

This family dinner casserole pairs well with:

Garlic bread
Simple green salad
Steamed broccoli
Roasted carrots

It’s also ideal for potlucks, church gatherings, and holiday buffets.

Storage and Freezing

Refrigeration

Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Cover with foil and warm in oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 22g

Values vary based on cheese and beef fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Can I use different pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini work well.

Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add spice if desired.

The History Behind Johnny Marzetti

The casserole is believed to have originated in Columbus, Ohio, and was named after a restaurant owner’s brother-in-law. Over time, variations appeared across the country, but the core ingredients—pasta, beef, tomato sauce, and cheese—remained consistent.

Its enduring popularity proves that simple ingredients can create timeless comfort food.

Final Thoughts

Classic Johnny Marzetti Casserole is more than just a pasta bake—it’s a symbol of comfort, tradition, and dependable family meals. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing for a gathering, this hearty dish delivers satisfying flavor every time.

Once you make it, it’s likely to become part of your regular dinner rotation.