Classic Johnny Marzetti Casserole for Cozy Nights
A heartwarming casserole combining pasta, savory ground beef, and a delightful tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef Lean ground beef for a rich flavor.
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Serves as the base of the casserole.
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce Good-quality sauce for best flavor.
- 1 medium Onion Finely chopped for depth of flavor.
- 1 unit Bell Pepper Chopped, preferably green or red.
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded for a gooey topping.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic flavor.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni with the beef and sauce mixture.
- Transfer half of the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
- Layer the remaining mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding vegetables or different cheeses for variations. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.